The National Independent Venue Association Launches First-Ever Economic Research Survey of Independent Live Sector
The State of Live Study Will Quantify Economic Contributions and Address Challenges of Independent Venues, Promoters, Performing Arts Centers, and Festivals Nationwide
(January 7, 2025) — Today, the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) launches The State of Live, the first national economic research study of the independent live entertainment sector. This groundbreaking initiative will capture the economic contributions and operational challenges of independent venues, promoters, performing arts centers, and festivals across the United States - and all of these entities regardless of their size, tax-status, or location are urged to take part in a survey being launched today.
Open from January 7 to February 18, 2025, the survey seeks participation from both for-profit and non-profit entities within the independent live entertainment community. ALL live spaces or festivals are encouraged to participate. The collected data will inform a national report and 50 state-by-state reports, scheduled for release on June 23, 2025, providing invaluable insights to strengthen advocacy efforts and influence public opinion in support of this vital sector.
"Independent stages are the heartbeats of our communities. They’re where culture is born, connections are made, and memories are created," said Executive Director of NIVA Stephen Parker. "The State of Live study will quantify the economic and cultural value of these spaces, ensuring they get the recognition and support they need and deserve.”
Independent stages serve as cultural and economic hubs, generating employment, driving tourism, and contributing to tax revenues. Despite their significance, they face challenges such as rising operational costs, declining profit margins, and increasing competition from megacorporations. The State of Live study will address these issues by:
Quantifying the sector's contributions to local and national economies.
Indicators will include the total value of the live sector, job created, number of show attendees, tax revenue generated, the ripple effect of live stages on communities, and more.
Highlighting operational challenges that threaten sustainability.
Questions answered will include what consumers are buying at shows, how many venues have closed post-pandemic, where costs are increasing for stages, how workforce challenges are evolving, and the overall economic condition of the live sector.
Empowering policymakers and stakeholders with concrete data to advocate for support.
The study will produce a comprehensive national report detailing the economic impact of the independent live entertainment sector, along with state-specific profiles and select regional summaries highlighting local contributions.
NIVA urges all independent live stages to participate in the survey by February 18, 2025. NIVA’s Partner Toolkit and social media resources will be instrumental in amplifying the survey's reach and ensuring robust participation.
For more information about the survey and how to participate, visit stateoflive.org or visit the link HERE.
ABOUT NIVA
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is the national trade association representing thousands of independent live entertainment venues, festivals, promoters, and more. NIVA works to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of live entertainment. NIVA empowers members and their teams with member benefits, advocacy on the state, local, and federal levels, an annual industry-leading conference, and more.
NIVA led the Save Our Stages campaign, culminating in landmark legislation in 2020 that established the $16.25 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, the largest arts investment in U.S. history.
NIVA is committed to equity in its support of independent stages. It seeks to create and encourage opportunities for venues, promoters, and festivals owned, operated, and staffed by people of color, women, non-binary, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities.
CONTACT
Lucky Break PR
Kris Ferraro, Kris@luckybreakpr.com
Mike Stommel, Mike@luckybreakpr.com
