National Independent Venue Association

over 1200 independent venues form NIVA coalition to help survive COVID-19 pandemic

Music venues across the country have been struggling to weather extended closures while the coronavirus pandemic continues; we recently learned that Allston’s Great Scott won’t be reopening once the dust has settled, and sadly, we’d be surprised if they are the only venue forced to close their doors. Despite a concert scheduled for next week in Arkansas, and Missouri’s Governor saying that shows and other live events can now be held in the state, entertainment and recreation are part of the final phase of New York’s four-part reopening plan, and we likely have a ways to go before they are able to happen again. With that in mind, a coalition of independent music venues have banded together to form the National Independent Venue Association, or NIVA, with the goal of “securing financial support to preserve the national ecosystem of independent venues and promoters.” Over 1200 venues and promoters are members, including, in NYC and the surrounding area, Le Poisson Rouge, AdHoc Presents, Arlene’s Grocery, Avant Gardner, Baby’s All Right, Blackthorn 51, City Winery, City Parks Foundation’s SummerStage, Drom, Elsewhere, Gold Sounds, Hammerstein Ballroom, Knitting Factory, Knockdown Center, Littlefield, Market Hotel, MeanRed Productions, National Sawdust, Nublu, Our Wicked Lady, Pioneer Works, Rocks Off, S.O.B’s, Saint Vitus, Bowery Ballroom, The Broadway, Capitol Theatre, The Delancey, The Kingsland, The Sultan Room, Trans-Pecos, TV Eye, Union Pool, White Eagle Hall, and more.

More from NIVA:

These entertainment hubs are critical to their local economies and tax bases as employers, tourism destinations, and revenue generators for neighboring businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and retail. Independent venues exist in every state across the country; they were the first to be closed, they will be the last to open. The economic recovery process will extend past just reopening the front doors, requiring solutions unique to the industry.

The group recently delivered a letter to Congress with ideas for solutions to the existential crisis facing the industry, and “seeking national guidelines for large gatherings to occur in a safe manner.” You can read it in full here. They’re also encouraging people to contact their elected officials about helping the industry survive, and they have a letter template you can use to do so here.

Meanwhile, here’s how else you can help support NYC venues while they’re closed.