NIVA State of Live study released as convention begins
The NIVA State of Live study was released Monday as the independent venue and promoter trade group’s annual convention began in Milwaukee.
NIVA State of Live study released as convention begins
After a Sunday opening party and on-stage interview with Jim James of My Morning Jacket at The Pabst Theatre, the National Independent Venue Association revealed its landmark research study.
NIVA State of Live offers a comprehensive look at the independent live sector in the United States and what’s next. While years of data have tracked the struggles of independent venues in the UK and Australia, similar research had never been done in America.
Several findings in the NIVA study confirmed the economic struggles for independent US venues caused by rising costs and increased competition. Most notably, 64% of the surveyed stages were not profitable.
But overall, the study painted a hopeful picture and provided stats that can be used to move forward.
“Independent venues are more than stages for entertainment; they are economic engines and cultural lifelines,” said Stephen Parker, Executive Director of NIVA. “This report underscores the urgent need for policy reforms and public investment to sustain these indispensable community anchors.”
Key findings from the NIVA State of Live study include:
- $153.1 billion in total economic output from independent venues and event, driven by fan spending on lodging, dining, shopping, and transportation
- $86.2 billion contributed to the U.S. GDP
- 908,000 jobs supported nationwide
- $51.7 billion in wages and benefits
- $19.31 billion generated annually in combined federal, state, and local tax revenues, equivalent to the entire annual budget for FEMA’s disaster relief efforts
- 31% of all independent stages’ expenses went directly to artist and booking fees
Joining NIVA Executive Director Stephen Parker on stage to review the last year and explore the NIVA State of Live study were comedian and indie venue owner Hannibal Buress along with outgoing NIVA President Andre Perry, VP Jamie Loeb, and D Tour’s Sean Waterson.
Parker also outlined how these findings will shape the road ahead.
New NIVA President
During the presentation it was announced that I.M.P.’s Audrey Fix Schaefer would be NIVA’s next Board president. Schaefer is a found member of the organization.
Bruce Houghton is the Founder and Editor of Hypebot, a Senior Advisor at Bandsintown, a Berklee College Of Music professor and founder of the Skyline Artists Agency
