Independent Venue Advocacy in the music industry refers to the collective efforts and organizations dedicated to supporting and protecting independent live entertainment venues, promoters, and festivals. These efforts often involve lobbying governmental bodies for financial aid, policy changes, and recognition of the cultural and economic importance of these venues. A prominent example is the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), formed in 2020 to address the challenges faced by venues, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic¹.