Save our Stages

Last updated on January 26, 2021

The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) was formed at the onset of COVID-19 with the intent to represent the severely-impacted live music and entertainment industries across the nation. Fast forward to December 2020, after countless needs were identified and specific efforts were advocated for, Congress passed a piece of legislation popularly known as the “Save Our Stages” (SOS) Act.

When we think about this industry at the local level, you might think of Beacham or Independent Bar. Perhaps one of the most prominent local examples to come to mind is the Dr. Phillip’s Center for the Performing Arts, who we recently had the chance to speak. Officials at the Center attributed the recently successful passing of the SOS Act to NIVA and their supporters, emphasizing the important role of this much-needed organization and the remarkable feat they took on for the sake of this industry at-large.

“Save Our Stages was an effort pushed by NIVA,” said Rachel Moalli, Community Relations Manager for the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. “People that are members now include venues of our size, all the way down to the ‘mom and pop’ sized venues. Before Congress passed SOS, literally hundreds of venues were forced to close. If not passed, that number would be in the thousands. So it was a huge advocacy effort that made a difference and it was really amazing to see so many people that are not usually involved in government relations come together and advocate for this because without it, it would have been detrimental. So really, overall it was a phenomenal,” Moalli said.

This Act, part of the recent COVID-19 relief package, allocates $15 billion specifically for independent music and arts venues. Funding will be distributed in the form of grants that equal up to 45 percent of the venue’s 2019 revenue, up to $10 million. The extent to which NIVA was involved in helping this dedicated relief package come to fruition was substantial and together, with the troops they rallied nationwide, they collectively managed to send over 2.1 million emails to members of congress in support of the legislation, ultimately reaching all 535 members. They also had the support of more than 1,200 big-name artists, ranging from Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, and Billy Joel, who signed onto their campaign and amplified the voices of desperate venue operators and their businesses.

For more details and information about the SOS Act and NIVA, please visit saveourstages.com. In addition, for those looking for some outdoor entertainment and relaxation, please check out the events taking place at the Frontyard Festival, an initiative led by and held outside the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts at the Seneff Arts Plaza. The Frontyard Festival will continue to take place throughout the first half of 2021, featuring events ranging from family movies, live entertainment during your lunch hour, and fitness classes.