We need to insist Congress support our local independent venues.

Without support from Congress, 90% of NIVA’s independent venues across America say they will be forced to close their doors forever. The live event industry is experiencing upwards of 90% revenue loss and will be closed well into 2021 due to safety concerns posed by large gatherings. 

This would also take a toll on our local economy. Independent venues are economic multipliers, community builders, and beloved institutions. A Chicago study estimated that $1 spent at a small venue resulted in $12 of economic activities for neighboring restaurants, hotels, and retail shops. Venues drive revenue to other businesses in cities and towns across America. What would our communities look like without them?

These venues closing permanently would also impact the entire music economy and ecosystem in America – artists, talent agents, stagehands, security, catering, artist managers, tour bus industry, production, radio/social media/tv/print advertising, record companies, and many others.

The closure of these venues would be devastating for music and entertainment lovers. The cultural impact of our venues on our local communities is priceless. We are the steadfast incubators and launch pads for the most popular talent in the world.

NIVA (National Independent Venue Association) is doing a fantastic job getting the support of so many Senators and Representatives that are helping to #SaveOurStages, and are asking Congress to support the Save Our Stages Act and S. 3814/H.R. 7481, the RESTART Act. Doing so would ensure that independent venues – arguably the industry hardest hit by the pandemic – receive the financial assistance needed to be able to reopen their doors when it is safe to do so.