The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), formed at the onset of the COVID-19 shutdown and now comprising nearly 2,000 members in all 50 states and Washington, DC, has released the results of a survey in which 90% of its members report that they will be forced to close forever if the shutdown lasts six months or longer without federal support.

"The complete and instant shut down of every venue is devastating," says Dayna Frank, NIVA president and CEO of First Avenue Productions in Minneapolis. "Revenues have ceased, but overhead hasn't. We’re fighting for the future of our industry, our beloved venues and our communities. This is the one time we're asking for assistance to do that. Without it, we fail. With it, we can once again be the gathering places that bring back our communities. With it, we will stand on our own feet and once again generate economic gains for businesses around us and the tax base of our towns and cities.”

NIVA reports that the existing Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), even with recent modifications, will not save independent venues, as it leaves fixed costs, like rent/mortgage, utilities, taxes, and insurance uncovered, even when venues are not permitted to open. Only a small fraction of NIVA members have received other government loans related to COVID-19.

NIVA has released a new fact sheet about the current situation along with its policy requests, both of which you can read here. To find out more and take action in support of legislation to help save independent venues, visit SaveOurStages.com.