The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is a new organization launched by several independent music venues and promoters, along with Independent Venue Week, following the widespread cancellations of shows in the wake of COVID-19.
Offering free membership to venues, the organization announced its goal to “fight for the survival of independent venues, their employees, artists, fans and their communities.” “It’s just brutal right now, and the future is predictable to no one,” says Dayna Frank, NIVA board member and owner of First Avenue in Minneapolis. “Our first order of business is to push to secure federal funding to preserve the ecosystem of live music venues and touring artists.” “If the number of venues and promoters that