Federal Advocacy

The National Independent Venue Association engages with Congress, the White House, and federal agencies on behalf of independent live entertainment to uplift and protect the interests of our members.

This work is empowered by the Federal Advocacy and Policy Committee, which provides strategic direction on federal advocacy and policy-related issues, initiatives, and programs for the Association. The Committee facilitates the development, adoption, and execution of NIVA’s federal agenda and priorities.

NIVA also champions its membership as the founding member of the Fix the Tix Coalition, a broad collection of live music and event industry organizations and professionals who collectively advocate for a ticketing experience better than the nightmare many fans and artists currently navigate. Learn more about Fix the Tix here.

NIVA’s history is rooted in our federal advocacy work. In 2020, through tireless engagement with the federal government, NIVA delivered the single largest U.S. investment in the arts through the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant. To learn more about how NIVA advocated for $16.25 billion of relief for our membership, click here.

Public Policy wins

NIVA’s national reach is creating public policy wins for independent live entertainment in states and cities.

Frost Led Letter Successfully Prevents Harmful Increase in Visa Costs from Going Into Effect

Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) successfully urged USCIS to delay a proposed visa rate hike affecting traveling artists. NIVA applauds Frost's efforts in safeguarding artist visas.

Read More

Fix The Tix unveils its own plans for US ticketing reforms

Fix The Tix, a coalition of 30 organizations led by NIVA representing live entertainment, music, and performing arts, has published a plan it believes can “reform” ticketing in the country.

Read More

How the Dysfunctional Ticketing Market Harms Artists & Fans – And What Can Be Done to Fix It

At the NIVA '23 conference in Washington, D.C., live event experts convened to discuss solutions for a flawed system.

Read More

NIVA Federal Communications
118th Congress