Fri Jun 27 16:00:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Independent Music Venues Struggle Despite $86.2 Billion Contribution to U.S. Economy**

**Milwaukee, WI (June 24, 2024)** – Despite contributing a staggering $86.2 billion to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024, a new study reveals that nearly two-thirds (64%) of independent music venues across the United States were unprofitable last year. The findings, released by the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) in its inaugural “State of Live” report, highlight the economic strain faced by these cultural hubs due to inflation, anti-competitive practices, and predatory ticket resale.

The report, unveiled at NIVA’s annual conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, paints a complex picture. While independent stages generated $153.1 billion in overall economic output, including indirect effects from tourism and local spending, the venues themselves are struggling to stay afloat. A significant portion of their expenses, roughly 31%, goes directly towards artist and booking fees.

Furthermore, the study found that independent stages contribute significantly to the tourism industry, accounting for approximately 9.2% of total U.S. travel and tourism revenue, translating into over $10.62 billion in annual visitor spending. These venues also supported 908,000 jobs and paid $19.31 billion in combined federal, state, and local tax revenues.

“Independent venues are more than stages for entertainment; they are economic engines and cultural lifelines,” stated NIVA executive director Stephen Parker. “This report underscores the urgent need for policy reforms and public investment to sustain these indispensable community anchors.”

NIVA hopes the findings of the “State of Live” report will prompt policymakers at all levels to take targeted action to support independent venues. Sean Watterson, Chair of the State of Live Task Force and President and Co-owner of The Happy Dog in Cleveland, emphasized the importance of the data. “We can make our cases to the statehouses and city councils on why we matter, and how our elected representatives can help us continue to help our communities,” he said.

During the conference, NIVA also announced its newly-elected board of directors, with I.M.P.’s Audrey Fix Schaefer named as Board President. Schaefer pledged to continue NIVA’s fight for artists, communities, employees, and fans, building on past successes like the “Save Our Stages” bill. “For us, music and comedy equal life,” she said.

The full “State of Live” report is available for review on NIVA’s website.

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