By CLTure News
December 20, 2020
After several months of suffering from the impact of the pandemic, many independent music venues will get some much-needed relief when the second stimulus package is officially passed. In addition to direct payments and unemployment aid to individuals, the $900 billion deal will also include $15 billion in SPA grants for independent music venue and theater operators through the Save Our Stages Act, according to Forbes.
The Save Our Stages Act was originally introduced by Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Corbyn (R-TX) in July to aid independent music venue operators affected by COVID-19. Back in July, a report by the National Independent Venues Association (NIVA) revealed that 90 percent of venue owners, promoters, and bookers have reported they’ll be in danger of closing without financial support. The report also predicted an estimated $9 billion in losses if ticket sales are postponed until 2021.
Yes, the COVID relief bill DOES include #SaveOurStages Act! We truly cannot wait for it to be passed. pic.twitter.com/k1MCHddEpp
— NIVA | #SaveOurStages (@nivassoc) December 21, 2020
The news provides hope and aid to venue owners across the country and an encouraging statement from Dayna Frank, Board President of NIVA.
“We’re thrilled that Congress has heard the call of shuttered independent venues across the country and provided us a crucial lifeline by including the Save Our Stages Act in the COVID-19 Relief Bill. We’re also incredibly grateful that this bill provides Pandemic Unemployment Assistance which will help the millions of people who lost their jobs through no fault of their own during this economic crisis.”
While the live entertainment industry still may have a ways to go before we have full-capacity shows again, this news is definitely music to many ears.
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