#Independent Venues, Movie Theaters to Get $15 Billion in Federal Aid

On Sunday, December 20, after months of delays and deliberations, congressional leaders agreed to a $900 billion stimulus package. The package incorporates the Save Our Stages Act, which will provide $15 billion in aid for performance venues, independent music theaters, and other cultural institutions.

“These venues are so important to my state and so many other states across the country,” Senator Chuck Schumer of New York said, according to Forbes. “They are the lifeblood of our communities. They were the first to close and will be the last to open. This bill gives them a fighting chance.”

Since COVID-19 prevention measures were implemented in March, independent venues have been at increased risk for shuttering without events or government relief to keep the businesses afloat. Venue owners and promoters formed the National Independent Venue Association in April to help rally support for relief. By October, several establishments had already been forced to close for good, including Washington, D.C.’s U Street Music Hall.

Read Pitchfork’s “How Independent Music Venues Are Fighting for Their Existence” and “The Year Live Music Stopped.”