Statement from the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) on the White House Budget Proposal to Eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and Existing NEA Grant Cancellations
Washington, D.C. (May 6, 2025) – The cancellation of National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants and proposed funding cuts in the President’s budget undermine the billions of dollars in economic activity that nonprofit live performance stages help generate in every state. These institutions support jobs, strengthen local economies, and serve as the cultural heartbeat of thousands of communities across the country.
Particularly concerning are reports that grants awarded months or years ago for projects already completed by organizations may not be paid out. If true, this is unacceptable and will jeopardize the ability of some of these organizations to keep their doors open and put real jobs at risk.
We urge Congress to prioritize robust NEA funding, particularly for venues, presenters, and festivals, and call on the White House to restore the grants nonprofit stages rely on to continue operating and serving communities nationwide.
– Stephen Parker, NIVA Executive Director
ABOUT NIVA
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is the national trade association representing thousands of independent live entertainment venues, festivals, promoters, and more. NIVA works to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of live entertainment. NIVA empowers members and their teams with member benefits, advocacy on the state, local, and federal levels, an annual industry-leading conference, and more.
NIVA led the Save Our Stages campaign, culminating in landmark legislation in 2020 that established the $16.25 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, the largest arts investment in U.S. history.
NIVA is committed to equity in its support of independent stages. It seeks to create and encourage opportunities for venues, promoters, and festivals owned, operated, and staffed by people of color, women, non-binary, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities.
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