Independent Venues Band Together for New Organization

The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is a new organization launched by several independent music venues and promoters, along with Independent Venue Week, following the widespread cancellations of shows in the wake of COVID-19. Offering free membership to venues, the organization announced its goal to “fight for the survival of independent venues, their employees, artists, fans and their communities.”

“It’s just brutal right now, and the future is predictable to no one,” says Dayna Frank, NIVA board member and owner of First Avenue in Minneapolis. “Our first order of business is to push to secure federal funding to preserve the ecosystem of live music venues and touring artists.”
“If the number of venues and promoters that signed up for NIVA membership in the first three days is an indicator—450 venues in 43 states and Washington, D.C.—we can say the independent venues and promoters might be in dire straits, but they’re motivated to fight for their survival,” adds Rev. Moose, co-founder of NIVA and managing partner of Marauder which runs Independent Venue Week in the U.S. “In addition to going to Capitol Hill to seek funds, NIVA will also offer key survival tools to members by sharing resources, information, and providing guidance on the Small Business Administration’s Payroll Protection Program.”
 
This story originally appeared in Pitchfork