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Marietta’s Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre Joins National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) created to fight for venue survival amid extended shutdowns
More than 1,000 venues and promoters across the U.S. have already joined the newly established National Independent Venue Association as industry fights for survival
As COVID-19 closures swept Georgia, independent music venues and promoters were the first to shutdown, and expect to be the last to reopen. Local venue Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre has joined the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) to fight for survival alongside more than 1,000 other independent venues and promoters across the country to ensure that vibrant local music scenes return after the pandemic has passed. NIVA is headed to Capitol Hill to request emergency relief, and is providing member venues with resources and education to help preserve the live music ecosystems in Georgia and beyond which play a vital role in each member state’s economy.
With the entire industry at a standstill, independent venues and promoters and the multitude of people they employ are facing an existential crisis – revenues are frozen, while significant overhead and financial obligations remain. With no concrete date of return, leading industry magazine Pollstar estimated a $9 billion loss in ticket sales alone – not counting food and beverage revenue – if venues remain closed through the end of the year. Ninety percent of NIVA members predict they will not be able to reopen if there is no financial support and the shutdown extends to six months — yet there have been forecasts that the shutdowns will go into 2021.
“With the entire industry at a standstill, independent venues and promoters and the multitude of people they employ are facing an existential crisis – revenues are frozen, while significant overhead and financial obligations remain.”
In addition to supporting employees and artists who are dependent upon live music for their livelihoods, the industry serves as a magnet and financial engine for local economies; for every dollar small venues generate in ticket sales, area restaurants, hotels, and retail establishments realize $12 in revenue. While independent venues and promoters are small businesses, the estimated direct annual impact they provide to their local communities nears $10 billion.
When the shutdown swept across the country the music did not just stop – it has put many beloved venues in peril of ever restarting again.
National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is fighting for the survival of independent venues, their employees, artists, fans and their communities.
NIVA is seeking modifications to small business loans and the Payroll Protection Program, tax relief, mortgage and rent forbearance, continued unemployment insurance for employees and guidance on how to reopen safely when the time comes.
Membership is at no cost to independent venues, and is accessible here: NIVA
The nonprofit Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre is the last remaining historic theatre in Cobb County and functions as a multi-use performing arts and events facility. The theatre is governed by the Friends of The Strand, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and depends on the financial support of private and corporate donors. It is The Strand’s mission to serve the community with cultural entertainment for a diverse audience and to promote economic health in the City of Marietta and Cobb County. For more information and tickets, visit StrandMarietta.org or contact the box office at 770-293-0080 or friends@strandmarietta.org. The Strand is located at 117 North Park Square, Marietta Ga and can also be found at @StrandMarietta on Facebook and Instagram.
EARL AND RACHEL SMITH STRAND THEATRE
117 North Park Square
Marietta, GA 30060
The Strand is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
It is The Strand’s mission to provide cultural entertainment and education, preserve the historic landmark theatre, and promote economic development in the City of Marietta and Cobb County.
The historic Strand Theatre lights up the downtown Marietta square with live theatre, films, concerts, comedy, private events, and more.
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