The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) that represents live music venues and promoters put out the following statement in support of the Save our Stages Act:

"Independent live music and entertainment venues have been hard-hit during the coronavirus pandemic, with 90 percent of venue owners, promoters, and bookers reporting they are at risk of closing permanently without additional financial assistance. If ticket sales do not resume until 2021, the industry will have lost an estimated $9 billion in ticket sales alone. The Save Our Stages Act:

• Establishes a $10 billion grant program for live venue operators, promoters, producers and talent representatives
• Directs the Small Business Administrator to make grants to eligible recipients equal to the lesser of either 45% of gross revenue from 2019 or $12 million
• Allows the Small Business Administrator to issue supplemental grants in the future if funding remains available and applicants can demonstrate continued need
• Permits recipients to use grants for costs incurred during the COVID pandemic
• Permits recipients to use grants for rent, utilities, mortgage obligations, PPE procurement, payments to contractors, regular maintenance, administrative costs, taxes, operating leases, and capital expenditures related to meeting state, local, or federal social distancing guidelines
• The Save Our Stages Act is endorsed by (NIVA) and the National Independent Talent Organization (NITO).

This is our final push to Congress and there won’t be another opportunity. We NEED the #SaveOurStagesAct and the #RestartAct passed in order to keep independent venues nationwide from closing permanently."

The arts and cultural sector of Massachusetts includes for profit and nonprofit organizations as well as artists, culture workers, creatives and administrators.  Our vibrancy and economic value to the Commonwealth is directly related to our diversity. Massachusetts cannot afford to lose live music and performance venues.  We encourage arts and cultural advocates and supporters to reach out to your Senators and members of Congress to support Save Our Stages and CREATE Act.