What types of businesses or organizations qualify as Independent Live Venue Operators?

According to the Illinois Creative Recovery Grant Program Eligibility Guidelines, Independent Live Venue Operators are defined as:

• A destination for live entertainment consumers where artistic programming is a main driver of attendance

• An entity that is not a publicly traded corporation listed on a stock exchange 

• A venue that clearly enables performers to receive payment for work by percentage of sales (bar or door cover), a guarantee (in writing or standard contract), or another mutually beneficial formal agreement 

•  A venue that has at least 4 of the following characteristics:

    o Defined performance and audience space

    o Mixing equipment or a public address system

    o Back line

    o Engages one or more individuals to carry out at least 2 of the following roles:

             Sound engineer

             Booker

             Promoter

             Stage manager

             Security personnel

             Box office manager

    o There is a paid ticket or cover charge to attend some performances through ticketing or door entrance fee    

    o Performances are marked through listings in printed or electronic publications, on websites, visible calendar of events, or on social media

Please note that grants are not going to a facility, building, or physical venue itself as this grant is intended for venue operators.

Do you have a more specific eligibility question? The Arts Alliance Help Desk team is here to assist! Submit a ticket with your question to receive individualized support from one of our Help Desk Agents.

Arts Alliance Illinois is serving as a Community Navigator for the Illinois Creative Recovery grant opportunity to share information about the grant and provide potential applicants with technical assistance. Arts Alliance Illinois cannot make final determinations regarding eligibility and will not play a role in determining grant awards. For more information about the Illinois Creative Recovery grants, visit the DCEO website at illinois.gov/b2b