As part of the United States federal government's latest COVID-19 relief package, performance spaces that remained closed due to the virus will receive billions in aid.
While it still needs to be passed, the second stimulus package will incorporate the Save Our Stages Act, securing $15 billion in aid for independent live music venues, theatres and performance spaces.
"These venues are so important to my state and so many other states across the country," New York Senator Chuck Schumer said in Congress Sunday (December 12) [via 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."
Independent venues have been at risk of permanent closure with the dearth of live events and coronavirus restrictions. In America, venue owners and promoters formed the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) to raise awareness, while the Canadian Independent Venue Coalition (CIVC) was founded closer to home.
Late last month, long-running Toronto bar and venue the Boat announced its permanent closure, while Winnipeg's Garrick Centre and Call the Office in London, ON, both closed indefinitely.
While it still needs to be passed, the second stimulus package will incorporate the Save Our Stages Act, securing $15 billion in aid for independent live music venues, theatres and performance spaces.
"These venues are so important to my state and so many other states across the country," New York Senator Chuck Schumer said in Congress Sunday (December 12) [via 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."
Independent venues have been at risk of permanent closure with the dearth of live events and coronavirus restrictions. In America, venue owners and promoters formed the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) to raise awareness, while the Canadian Independent Venue Coalition (CIVC) was founded closer to home.
Late last month, long-running Toronto bar and venue the Boat announced its permanent closure, while Winnipeg's Garrick Centre and Call the Office in London, ON, both closed indefinitely.
