The local arts organizations in Owensboro and Daviess County have long relied on the Messenger-Inquirer to be a partner in not only promoting their events, but also sharing how the arts enhance the lives of citizens through education and preservation of culture.  The Messenger-Inquirer has served as the primary news source for Owensboro-Daviess County and the surrounding region for 147 years, with its roots dating back to 1875. 

The paper is published seven days a week, with print versions Tuesday-Saturday, and online electronic newspapers on Sunday and Monday. The organization circulates the print edition in five western Kentucky counties —Daviess, Hancock, McLean, Muhlenberg, and Ohio—and the website receives more than 350,000 visits per month on average. Coverage and promotion of the local arts community has long been a priority of the Messenger-Inquirer, and they continue to maintain a reporter dedicated to the coverage of the arts.  They have two sections per week committed to local arts/entertainment, which appear in the Tuesday and Friday editions, but they also devote additional space daily throughout the paper, including many arts-related articles that appear on the front page.

A wide range of arts are covered by the publication. Some of that includes: activities/collections at local museums; theatrical performances, both touring Broadway shows as well as local community theater;  the local music scene, from regular weekly performances, to large scale festivals, to the symphony's annual season; performances from two local dance studios; individual profiles on local musicians, artists, filmmakers, dancers, etc.; and the role that local government plays in supporting the arts, through funding priorities and efforts such as working to make Owensboro the "Bluegrass Music Capital of the World." 

Organization's statement

At the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, we are deeply humbled and honored to receive this distinction. While we do not seek awards for their own sake, this recognition affirms our commitment to serving our community by keeping them informed about the vibrant arts scene around them. It reinforces the idea that we are doing something right, and it serves as a reminder to our readers that they have a newspaper that genuinely cares about and supports our local arts community.

Our role in promoting the arts in Kentucky is vital. We aim to ensure that our local community—and indeed, all of Kentucky and beyond—knows about the incredible artistic offerings available in our region. Owensboro boasts a robust arts community with state-of-the-art venues such as the RiverPark Center, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, and the Owensboro Convention Center. We strive to shine a spotlight on the artists, venues, and events that contribute to making Owensboro a vibrant cultural hub.

Through our stories, we communicate beyond Kentucky that Owensboro is home to a diverse array of talented artists—musicians, actors, painters, writers, and more. Our coverage highlights how these individuals thrive in an environment that embraces and nurtures the arts. We celebrate the creative freedoms that each art form provides, showcasing the richness of our local culture and the unique contributions of our artists. Ultimately, our work is a testament to the power of the arts in bringing communities together and enriching lives, both in Owensboro and beyond.