Report Reveals the Economic Impact of Illinois Independent Stages
NIVA’s State of Live Report Indicates 78% of Independent Venues in IL Are Struggling with Unprofitability
October 8, 2025 – Today, the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and Chicago Independent Venue League (CIVL) unveil the economic impact findings from the regional The State of Live report — the first comprehensive national study examining the economic contributions of independent venues across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
"Findings from the Illinois State of Live report affirm that independent venues are essential to the fabric of our communities — driving cultural vitality, providing unforgettable experiences, and generating substantial economic impact,” said Jimalita Tillman, Co-Chair of CIVL. “I applaud the research team and NIVA for their commitment to documenting both our challenges and achievements. Continued support and recognition are critical for us to thrive as enduring cultural and economic cornerstones."
According to The State of Live report, conducted in 2025, independent venues, festivals, and promoters in Illinois:
Generated $3.9 billion in total economic output.
Contributed $2.3 billion directly to the state GDP.
Supported 25,913 jobs across the local economy.
Paid $1.3 billion in wages and benefits.
Produced $288.8 million in annual state and local tax revenue.
At the same time, only 22% of independent stages in Illinois reported profitability in 2024, reflecting national trends in which 64% of independent stages nationwide are struggling to remain financially viable due to inflation, anti-competitive practices, and predatory ticket scalping.
Nationally, the State of Live report, released earlier this year, found that independent stages generated $153.1 billion in economic output, and contributed $86.2 billion directly to the U.S. GDP, supported more than 907,000 jobs, and paid over $51.7 billion in wages and benefits — eclipsing the U.S. beer, gaming, and airline industries.
"Independent venues are more than stages for entertainment; they are economic engines and cultural lifelines," said Stephen Parker, Executive Director of NIVA. "This report underscores the urgent need for policy reforms and public investment to sustain these indispensable community anchors.”
The impact and struggles of the independent live sector unveiled by this report reflect the urgent need for Illinois governments to ensure they are not prioritizing public funding and preferential treatment for alleged monopolist and noted industrial scalper Live Nation. It also underscores the need for resale ticket price caps to stop price gouging of consumers in Illinois by resale platforms and predatory scalpers.
The State of Live report serves as a critical resource for policymakers, community leaders, and industry stakeholders working to protect and grow the independent live entertainment sector. Conducted by leading economic research firm TEConomy Partners, this groundbreaking report provides clear evidence that independent venues, festivals, and promoters play a vital role in powering the United States economy and sustaining local communities nationwide.
To access the full report and learn more, visit www.nivassoc.org/stateoflive.
ABOUT CIVL
CIVL has served as the leading advocate for Chicago’s independently owned and operated performing arts venues since 2018. CIVL fosters collaborative advocacy, supports its members through resource sharing and community engagement, and promotes public understanding of the essential cultural and economic impact our venues have on the city.
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.