CIVL unites & advocates for Chicago’s independent venues — protecting the city’s creative soul & ensuring live performance thrives.
CIVL has been the driving force behind Chicago’s independently-owned performing arts venues since 2018. Our members aren’t just stages; they’re the beating heart of Chicago’s vibrant cultural landscape, nurturing creativity, diversity, and community. CIVL champions these essential spaces, recognizing their dual role as cultural powerhouses and economic engines. By advocating for strong, sustainable venues, CIVL keeps Chicago’s arts scene thriving and ensures the city’s creative and economic future remains bright.
CIVL is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization.
Member Venues
Annoyance Theatre • Auditorium Theatre • Avondale Music Hall • Beat Kitchen • Blue Chicago • Cafe Mustache • Carol’s Pub • Chop Shop • Cole’s Bar • Copernicus Center • Empty Bottle • Gman Tavern • Harold Washington Cultural Center • The Hideout • Hungry Brain • Joe’s on Weed St. • Lincoln Hall • Metro • Park West • Patio Theater • Reggies • The Revival • The Riviera Theatre • Rosa’s Lounge • The Salt Shed • Schubas Tavern • Sleeping Village • smartbar • Spy Bar • Subterranean • Thalia Hall • Uncommon Ground • The Vic Theater • The Whistler
Board of Directors & Staff
Jimalita Tillman / Co-Chair
Chris Bauman / Co-Chair
Cassie Dickson / Secretary
Matt Woodburn / Treasurer
Matt Rucins / Director
Billy Helmkamp / Executive Director
History & Impact
CIVL was formed in 2018 in response to the proposed Lincoln Yards development, which threatened to introduce multiple Live Nation-owned venues which would be partially subsidized by Chicago taxpayers. CIVL unified the city’s independent venues and mobilized public opposition, raising awareness about the cultural and economic impact of local venues. CIVL ultimately won that battle and demonstrated the power of collective action and protected the diversity of Chicago’s music scene.
When the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered venues in 2020, CIVL led a coordinated campaign for financial relief for venues, staff, and performers. CIVL’s advocacy helped secure $500 million in shuttered-venue relief funding for Illinois venues and tourism. Most notably, zero CIVL member venues permanently closed due to the pandemic — a remarkable achievement when compared to closures in other cities.
CIVL’s work has gone beyond crisis response. By advocating for independent venues, CIVL has helped sustain thousands of creative-sector jobs, millions in local economic activity, and the unique character of Chicago’s neighborhoods.
Before CIVL, venues often competed in isolation. CIVL brought these venues together to speak with a unified voice, strengthening their influence within the city, state, and on a national level.
CIVL has also fostered cooperation between non-profit, public and private sector arts organizations to empower Chicago’s creative community. CIVL’s collaborative model has inspired similar efforts in other cities and demonstrated that independent venues can thrive through solidarity.
In 2022, CIVL led the formation of Chicago Music Scene, a 501(c)(3) organization that focuses on activities such as workforce development, employee support, audience safety, and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within the sector.
CIVL’s advocacy, solidarity, and public engagement have safeguarded the future of Chicago’s independent music scene and ensured its continued vibrancy and diversity.