Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center invites you to join it for a live streaming event – “The Pandemic, the Economy, and the Future of Live Entertainment” – on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 7 PM.
Dr. Mark Zandi, the Chief Economist for Moody’s Analytics, and Hal Real, the founder and CEO of World Cafe Live and the co-founder of National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), will walk attendees through the economic toll the pandemic has had on the performing arts industry and how the election might affect its future.
The live-event industry is experiencing staggering revenue losses and will be shut down well into 2021, due to public health and safety concerns regarding large gatherings. Several independent venues across America say they will be forced to close their doors forever.
This would also take a toll on local economies. Independent venues are economic multipliers, community builders, and beloved institutions. One study estimated that $1 spent at a small venue resulted in $12 of economic activities for neighboring restaurants, hotels, and retail shops. Venues drive revenue to other businesses in cities and towns across America.
What would our communities look like without them?
The permanent shuttering of these cultural hubs would also impact the entire live arts economy and ecosystem in America. Such closures would also be devastating for music and entertainment lovers. Furthermore, the cultural impact of independent venues on their communities is priceless. They are the steadfast incubators and launch pads for the most popular talent in the world.
Dr. Zandi will focus on the domestic response to the pandemic and the specific financial impact it has had on communities. His analysis will take a closer look at the effect on both the local and national economy. Dr. Zandi’s perspective will address the far-reaching outcomes resulting from long-term, and permanent, business closures. His insight brings into stark reality the state of the nation’s fiscal stability.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Real co-founded NIVA, whose 3,000 members are engaged to preserve this industry. He also co-founded NIVF (the National Independent Venue Foundation), a nonprofit aimed at creating an emergency relief fund and other funding channels to support NIVA and its members.
Chris Hanning, Dean of the Wells School of Music at West Chester University, will moderate the event and take questions from the live chat.
Click here to register.
