OFFICIAL: Indie Venues Score $15B #SaveOurStages COVID Relief

UPDATE: Bipartisan #SaveOurStages legislation advocated for by NIVA, NITO, and other music industry trade groups has passed the US House Of Representative and Senate by veto proof margins.

The bill will bring much-needed aid to independent venues and the people that work with them.

“a crucial lifeline”

The COVID relief bill includes “$15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions,” according to an email from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

A new round of PPP payroll loans and grants along with an extension of enhanced unemployment benefits will also help the struggling independent music sector.

“We’re thrilled that Congress has heard the call of shuttered independent venues across the country and provided us a crucial lifeline by including the Save Our Stages Act in the COVID-19 Relief Bill,” said Dayna Frank, Owner & CEO, First Avenue Productions and Board President of NIVA. “We’re also incredibly grateful that this bill provides Pandemic Unemployment Assistance which will help the millions of people who lost their jobs through no fault of their own during this economic crisis. We urge swift passage of this legislation, which will assist those in the greatest need and ensure the music lives on for generations to come.”  

More details as the final legislation is approved today (Monday) and become public.