A survey conducted by the National Independent Venue Association has revealed that 90 percent of independent venue owners, promoters and bookers across the United States fear that they will have to close their doors permanently as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The survey interviewed nearly 2,000 people operating within the music industry — including those involved in iconic independent venues The Bowery Ballroom in New York City, Troubador in Los Angeles, 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C. and Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. 90 percent of those who took part have admitted that if the lockdown lasts six months or longer, and the government fails to provide targetted financial relief, they will be forced to cease operations.
NIVA — which was formed in the wake of the pandemic — is demanding that Congress adjust the Paycheck Protection Program to reflect the needs of independent venues. These needs include covering fixed operating costs (rent/mortgage, utilities, taxes and insurance), and the equivalent of six months’ worth of payroll and benefits. The organisation is also requesting loan forgiveness and tax credits.
“Live event venues were among the first to close as COVID-19 spread across the country, and they are likely to be among the last to reopen,” a bi-partisan letter that was sent to House of Representative and Senate leaders in late May states.
“Concerts and live events may not be possible until a vaccine is readily available to the public, which could be months away. Until that time, live event venues will remain shuttered, leaving employees without jobs and businesses without revenue. The continued closures will impact the hundreds of contractors, suppliers, and business partners that support the live entertainment industry in our states and districts.”
If you’re a U.S. reader that would like to support independent venues, visit SaveOurStages.com to send a letter to your representatives.
Today, the Australian music industry sent out an SOS to the government. Over 1,000 artists, business and personal spanning the music community have signed an open letter, begging that the Australian government provide immediate, targetted financial support to the industry amid the coronavirus lockdown.
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Jimmy Barnes, John Farnham, Thelma Plum, Icehouse, Kate Miller-Heidke, Jessica Mauboy, Gotye, Alex Lahey, Jack River and Savage Garden are just a small sample of the many names that have demanded action.
“The Australian music sector fell off a cliff on 13 March when Government made the correct and prudent decision to shut the nation down,” the letter reads.
“Without the ability for artists to play and venues to open around the country, the industry lost billions of dollars in revenue. It is estimated the box-office loss in relation to live music alone will be half a billion dollars over six months.”
According to I Lost My Gig, live music cancellations and postponements across Australia and NZ have already cost more than $340 million, a figure that will keep growing as the coronavirus lockdown continues.
