The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) has created a seamless, quick and effective online form that contacts state representatives and voices the need for economic relief that would benefit hundreds of independent venues and their owners, promotors, staff, musicians and communities across the nation.

NIVA’s form is simple - it only takes about a minute to fill out and demands immediate action from our representatives to support independent venues through federal assistance programs during COVID-19.

Supporting these spaces and other independently-owned businesses during the pandemic is not only an act of selflessness but also one that will aid in keeping the city’s prominent culture afloat during one of the most economically uncertain times a majority of us have faced.

Like most small businesses affected by COVID-19, Chicago’s independent music venues have had to navigate today’s quarantined society with creativity and community. Initiatives like Empty Bottle’s #MusicFriendlyDistancing, Sleeping Village’s contact-free curbside pickup,  and the Metro x Vans collaboration have all helped ease the economic impact. But more work is still needed to save our city’s landmarks.

We miss going out to shows. We miss seeing and supporting our artists. And we certainly miss the venues that hosted them. If we don’t speak up now, we might never get the chance to step back into the buildings that have fostered so many of our beloved memories.

Please consider taking a minute of your time to fill out NIVA’s form at the button below to help an essential piece of the Chicago community survive the economic impacts of COVID-19. You can learn more about NIVA by following them on Instagram and Facebook. Keep up with the latest news of Chicago venues via the Chicago Independent Venue League’s (CIVL) Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages.