Savannah music advocates see HB 14 as boost to growing local scene

May 3, 2026 – A bill awaiting Gov. Brian Kemp’s signature could help expand Georgia’s music industry and position Savannah as a stronger destination for artists, venues and music-related business, local advocates say.

House Bill 14 would create a statewide music office within Georgia’s economic development structure, aimed at promoting the industry, coordinating resources and supporting growth across both urban and rural communities. The measure has passed both chambers of the legislature and now awaits action from the governor.

Supporters have been encouraging residents to contact the governor through an online campaign organized by the Recording Academy and Georgia Music Partners.

Jared Hall, a voting member of the Recording Academy and co-chair of its Atlanta chapter’s advocacy committee, said the bill has been years in the making.

“This was one that in particular has been worked on for a while,” Hall said, adding that the proposal has drawn broad support across political lines.

“We’ve had some really good town halls with both Republicans and Democrats on both sides of the aisle, and everybody’s really for it,” he said.

If signed into law, the office would operate through the state’s economic development arm, with the goal of strengthening music-related jobs, tourism and investment statewide.

Hall pointed to similar efforts in Texas, where a state music office has helped smaller communities develop local scenes and attract visitors.

“Once you start seeing the music, you’re seeing restaurants and coffee shops and some life that happens within that town,” he said.

Mary Dugas, founder and executive director of the Savannah Music Collective, said her work has shown how collaboration and shared resources can strengthen a local music community.

“My background is in artist management, so I’ve always approached the music industry from the artist’s perspective,” Dugas said. “But working with the community, it’s more about economic development and jobs and education.”

She said connecting artists with industry professionals and resources has already had an impact locally.

“I’ve seen kind of firsthand what happens when you bring support to a local initiative,” Dugas said.

Hall said a state music office could help fund festivals, support venues, expand recording opportunities and create education programs for students entering the industry.

“There are so many things that I can see that would be beneficial,” he said.

In Savannah, Hall said the music scene remains active but faces challenges, including a lack of mid-sized venues that attract touring acts.

“We’re missing some of that, like that, a little smaller venue right under the size of the Victory North,” he said.

Dugas said ongoing investments in venues and infrastructure signal growing interest from the broader music industry.

“The greater music industry is really looking at building Savannah as a music market,” she said.

She pointed to major touring acts choosing Savannah as further evidence of that trend.

“That is, I think it’s a good sign that people want to come to Savannah,” Dugas said.

Dugas also said expanding access to live music is a key part of building a stronger scene.

At a recent Ani DiFranco show, she helped secure funding for a nationally recognized American Sign Language interpreter. Dugas said patrons at the show remarked on how the interpreter helped expand access to the community and make music available to more people.

Both Hall and Dugas said a coordinated state effort could mirror the success of Georgia’s film industry by attracting projects and creating jobs.

Hall said the office could also help connect music with other industries, including film production in the state.

“If we had kind of a point person or one point organization that kind of help funnel all that to different communities, that’d be great,” he said.

While the bill’s final impact will depend on how it is implemented, Dugas said additional support is needed to sustain growth.

“I just know that we need extra resources to build our music community,” she said.

Hall said supporters remain optimistic the governor will sign the bill.

“I would hope that it’s just a matter of him getting to it and signing it,” he said.

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