Preserving the ecosystem of independent venues & promoters across California.
Established as a chapter of the greater National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), the mission of NIVA – CA is to preserve the ecosystem of independent venues and promoters in California by uniting, organizing, and voicing support for our industry. Through our robust network of venues, we will utilize each other’s resources to create awareness about the issues affecting independent art & culture in our communities. NIVA – CA will continue to work towards implementing programs and services that will help cultivate a sustainable and diverse system of music industry professionals through education and work programs — making it easier for tradespeople to learn and find employment within our industry.
How we do it
Three pillars of our work
Unite & Organize
We bring together independent venues and promoters across the state into a unified coalition — pooling resources, sharing information, and speaking with one voice on the issues that matter most to our industry.
Advocate & Represent
We create awareness about the challenges facing independent art and culture in California — working with legislators, press, and the public to protect the places where communities gather and culture is made.
Cultivate & Grow
We invest in the people who run the rooms — developing programs and services that build a sustainable, diverse pipeline of music industry professionals through education and workforce development.
Part of something bigger
A California chapter of NIVA National
NIVA – CA is a state chapter of the National Independent Venue Association — the organization founded in 2020 that united the independent live music industry during the COVID-19 crisis and secured the Save Our Stages Act.
As part of that national network, NIVA – CA brings the weight of a coast-to-coast coalition to the specific legislative, cultural, and economic challenges facing California’s independent venues and promoters.
Learn about NIVA National →Stand with independent live music.
Join the coalition, support the mission, and help preserve California’s independent venue ecosystem for the next generation.