NIVA Is Saving Our Stages During the Pandemic

Arooj M | May 20, 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought an unparalleled level of uncertainty and insecurity amongst countless industries in our nation. Unfortunately, the music industry has taken a massive hit, with no clear timeline present for returning to any form of normalcy. With the current limitations on gatherings, any major concert or festival has already been cancelled this year resulting in an unprecedented loss of profit. Local music scenes have also been heavily impacted. The music venues that we all know and love are now cut off from their primary form of income and now many independently owned venues are struggling to stay financially afloat.

Thankfully, members of the music community are using their versatility to create new avenues of income during this time such as live stream donations and fundraisers. The National Independent Venue Association or NIVA is an organization that is taking these efforts a step further. The organization is attempting to raise awareness about the dire situation music venues are facing in congress while petitioning for increased economic relief during the pandemic.

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Some of the biggest bands on the planet like @foofighters are coming together with a message of support for independent venues. We need places to experience live music when all of this is over. Contact your representatives and visit SaveOurStages.com #SaveOurStages #Repost @foofighters ・・・ Live music is built on the foundation of indie music venues. Right now, we need to stand up with them so they can come back stronger than ever. Visit the link in bio to tell your representatives to #SaveOurStages and keep the music alive. 🤘 @nivassoc

A post shared by NIVA (@nivassoc) on May 17, 2020 at 2:15pm PDT

The organization recently addressed a letter to the House of Representatives that highlights the organizations mission and proposes solutions for the crisis venues are facing. Below is an excerpt that describes the organization’s economic reach and impact.

“NIVA is comprised of more than 1,000 of the most influential independent music venues and promoters across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. In Kentucky, our members represent 1500 employees, almost 1 million tickets sold annually and $25 million in gross ticket revenue. Expecting the pandemic to last the remainder of 2020, gross ticket revenue alone for this year will decrease to a little over $4 million. Moreover, entertainment hubs serve as revenue generators for neighboring businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and retail. And that indirect economic impact is estimated at over $300 million annually.”

NIVA is proposing a series of solutions to help relieve the current burden on music venues. This includes flexible loan forgiveness, tax relief, rent forbearance, and increased reopening guidelines for venues.

The work NIVA is doing is vital to securing the future of live music. There are many ways that fans can show their support, in turn saving the future of the music scene. NIVA launched their #SaveOurStages campaign to spread awareness of their mission. The best way fans can contribute is by contacting their local legislators through NIVA’s website. You can simply include your information and send the automated message or create your own. You can also show your support by donating to NIVA or buying merch. The proceeds go directly towards relief for music venues and NIVA’s operating budget.

Live music has given us all so much over the years and coming together to give back to our music scene has never been more important. Local venues are fundamental in shaping the direction of music. Not only do they give us opportunities to discover our favorite artists, but they are also a safe space where we can come together to cherish the power of sound. Showing support to organizations like NIVA is essential for sustaining it, so let’s all do our part to #SaveOurStages.

Learn more about NIVA HERE!