NIVA: National Independent Venue Association responds to Live Nation's new program

The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) has released a statement in reaction to Live Nation Entertainment's newly unveiled "On The Road Again" initiative. 

On September 26th, Live Nation Entertainment, the multinational entertainment giant, announced this program aimed at supporting emerging artists. Under this initiative, "developing artists" will receive a $1,500 stipend for gas and travel expenses when performing at Live Nation-owned venues that are part of the program.

Nevertheless, as several industry experts have previously warned, there is growing scrutiny surrounding Live Nation's motivations for launching the program. Among those expressing concerns are NIVA, which represents a multitude of independently owned venues throughout the United States.

NIVA shared the following statement: 

Temporary measures may appear to help artists in the short run but actually can squeeze out independent venues which provide the lifeblood of many artists on thin margins. Independent venues and promoters are investing in and elevating up-and-coming artists every day, and NIVA is supporting those efforts nationally. The initiative announced yesterday may seem like a move to follow the lead of some independent venues. It is not that.

Instead, it appears to be a calculated attempt to use a publicly-traded conglomerate's immeasurable resources to divert artists from independent venues and further consolidate control over the live entertainment sector. Such tactics threaten the vitality of small and medium-sized venues under 3000 capacity, many of which still struggle to keep their doors open.

Independent stages, where the majority of artists, musicians, and comedians start their careers, are small businesses and nonprofits. They are continually facing rising costs, increased deceptive ticketing practices in the resale market, and ongoing challenges following the global pandemic. Our stages are critical to the live entertainment ecosystem and local economies, and they must survive.

The economics of touring must drastically improve for artists and independent venues. There has to be a better way. NIVA will continue to support artists and empower independent venues as we collectively find it.

Read the full statement here.