State of Live: Economic Research Study

The State of Live

The First Economic Research Study of the Independent Live Sector

The State of Live is the first comprehensive national economic research study examining independent live entertainment venues, festivals, promoters, and performing arts centers.

Released on June 23, 2025, this groundbreaking report quantifies their significant economic contributions, explores challenges facing their sustainability, and provides invaluable data to drive advocacy and support. Read the press release here.

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STATE OF LIVE:

NATIONAL REPORT

$19.31 Billion In Total Taxes Generated in 2024

Total Taxes Generated by Independent Live Stages

STATE OF LIVE: NATIONAL REPORT

Local Taxes: $3.14B • State Taxes: $4.17B • Federal Taxes: $12B
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183.7
MILLION

TOTAL FANS SERVED

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$153.1
BILLION

TOTAL Economic Output

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64%

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908,000

JOBS SUPPORTED

OF STAGES WERE
NOT PROFITABLE IN 2024

$51.7
BILLION

WAGES AND BENEFITS PAID

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31%

OF Expenses went
Directly To Artists

$86.2
BILLION

CONTRIBUTION TO U.S. GDP

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62%

OF STAGES HOST LOCAL
Artist Showcases

153,646

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91%

VENUES OPERATING YEAR-ROUND

TOTAL EVENTS PRODUCED A YEAR

$10.62
BILLION

OFF-SITE TOURISM SPENDING

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STATE OF LIVE:

50+ STATE REPORTS

Building on the State of Live national effort, the state reports released on October 8, 2025 provide the first detailed economic impact studies for all 50 states and Washington, DC. Each report outlines the cultural and economic contributions of independent stages, including data on jobs, wages, tax revenue, and economic output, while also underscoring the challenges many face to remain profitable.

STATE OF LIVE: 50+ STATE REPORTS

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State of Live Underwriters


State of Live Data Partners

NIVA Press Releases

State of Live News Articles

State of Live New Articles

Support the Future of the Independent Live Sector

Donate to help us uncover the economic contributions and challenges of independent venues, performing arts centers, promoters, and festivals. Your contribution will help us arm the sector with the data and confidence it needs to thrive. As a fiscally sponsored project of the National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF), donations are 100% tax-deductible.

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