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NIVA Launches Certification to Support Independent Venues
September12
US National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) has launched `Live Independent,` a new certificati
US National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) has launched "Live Independent," a new certification program aimed at elevating and safeguarding independent venues, promoters, and festivals across the country.
Supported by Bandsintown, a leading live event discovery platform, the initiative is designed to improve the quality and sustainability of independent live entertainment while preserving the unique spirit that defines these cultural institutions.
The "Live Independent" certification marks a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen the independent live entertainment community.
By offering a seal that recognizes excellence and a commitment to the independent ethos, NIVA hopes to create a more resilient and vibrant landscape for music, comedy, and performance fans nationwide.
“These independent venues are so important because without them, you wouldn`t have your Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Taylor Swift. You wouldn`t have these artists because we all had to start somewhere. We had to build from something. And these places are integral to the building of an actual artist. Without them we have no artists, we have no future music makers. We have no future Prince or those people that really rock the stadium. Because before you rock the stadium, you have to rock your local clubs first. You’ve just got to do it. It’s a right of passage,” said Tarriona "Tank" Ball from Tank and the Bangas.
Key Features of the `Live Independent` Certification
Certified venues and events will receive physical and digital “Live Independent” seals for display on tickets, websites, and marketing materials, further enhancing their visibility and credibility.
A dedicated website will serve as a central hub, offering fans a search feature to verify certification and find shows at certified venues. The site will also allow stages to apply for certification.
As a major player in concert discovery with 90 million registered users, Bandsintown will promote certified venues through dedicated placements on its app and website. Each certified venue will display the "Live Independent" seal on their Bandsintown page, and a map of certified venues will help fans locate and support independent venues across the country.
The certification launch coincides with YouTube Foundry’s Music Nights, with events planned at The Troubadour in Los Angeles and Cannery Hall in Nashville. These shows will feature current and former Foundry artists, highlighting the role of independent venues in nurturing new talent.
Stephen Parker, NIVA`s Executive Director, emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “This certification is a testament to the power of independent stages as sanctuaries for human connection. In an era dominated by live entertainment conglomerates, these venues and festivals are the final strongholds of authenticity, where live performance truly thrives. When fans and artists choose independent stages, they’re investing in the soul of their community.”
Independent venues, promoters, and festivals can apply for certification if they meet specific criteria, including:
- A mission focused on delivering live performances in music, comedy, and other entertainment forms.
- Fair payment practices for all artists and performers.
- Independence from multinational corporations or publicly traded companies.
- Commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and competitive marketplace.
- NIVA membership, demonstrating support for protecting independent venues.
Fabrice Sergent, co-founder of Bandsintown, echoed Parker’s sentiments, adding, “Bandsintown’s ethos has always been independent, serving artists from day one of their careers. We’re proud to work with NIVA to help these venues find the audience they deserve.”
The launch of "Live Independent" signals a major step forward for independent venues, offering crucial support in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape.
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