More than 150 venues have formed the New York Independent Venues Association. In support of the National Independent Venues Association (NIVA), they organized a day of action on August 4th, 2020 to advocate for the passage of the Save Our Stages Act and RESTART Act.
Two weeks ago, Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota introduced the Save Our Stages Act after a NIVA survey found that 90% of independent venues risked closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The $10 billion bill would consist of grants totaling 45% of an establishment’s 2019 operating costs up to $12 million.
“Music venues were the first to close and we will be the last to re-open. Most venues are at risk of going out of business if nothing is done,” reads a passage of the New York Independent Venue Association’s statement. “On average, a venue will need $300,000 to sustain itself if they are to remain closed until 2021 ($60 million for the industry in aggregate).”
NIVA’s lobbying is similar to that of England’s Night Time Industries Association. The latter organization has pushed for lawmaker aid with an initiative called #LetUsDance that likely played a role in Arts Council England setting aside a £500 million Culture Recovery Fund.
A template that sends out a pre-written email to local representatives in favor of the Save Our Stages Act can be found at SaveOurStages.com.
Image credit: Pim Myten
