As music venues around the world have been forced to close their doors as the majority of people around the globe are stuck inside – with some being required to shut down completely due to loss of income; the severe damage will unfortunately remain even as we move into the future. The music community never fails to come together to support one another in as many ways as possible, and has been one of the most vocal creative industries in our own fight against COVID-19.
In the USA, a new organisation entitled the National Independent Venue Association (or, NIVA) has been formed in order to work together to ensure the survival of independent venues and their communities. Independent Music Week, along with independent venues and promoters have all joined up as members to work together, and to become a member is completely free.
“We can’t envision a world without these music venues, so we’ve created NIVA to fight for their ability to survive this shutdown, which we hear could go into 2021. Our first order of business is to push to secure federal funding to preserve the ecosystem of live music venues and touring artists.”
NIVA Board Member Dayna Frank
Independent Venues across the country are banding together to bring our fight for survival to Washington for targeted funding to help save our industry. We are calling on all independent venues to join us in our fight. Membership is free. Click here https://t.co/JjoVyCo5hH pic.twitter.com/fiL1NE3O0z
— National Independent Venue Association (@nivassoc) April 17, 2020
In the first three days of its inception, 450 venues in 43 American states and Washington, D.C have signed up for NIVA memberships in order to fight for the survival of the independent music community.
“NIVA is seeking additional sponsorship from organizations wishing to support its mission to assist independent venues and promoters. Said Witt, “NIVA will grow to become a fantastic advocate and nurturer of independent venues and promoters after the pandemic. Survival today, prosperity tomorrow.”
