Saturday, July 05, 2025, 6:11PM | 
MENU
Advertisement
The Rex Theater on the 1600 block of East Carson Street on the South Side.
1
MORE

SBA must act fast to save thousands of America’s small performing arts venues — before it’s too late

Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette

SBA must act fast to save thousands of America’s small performing arts venues — before it’s too late

Among the industries hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, the arts and entertainment sector rests close to the top of the list. Though many performing groups pivoted to virtual concerts and productions, this did little for the thousands of small performance venues that shuttered during the shutdown orders. Many will not reopen.

Congress chose to set up a $16 billion fund for performing venues through the Small Business Administration as part of the second national stimulus package passed in December. The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant could act as a lifeline for these spaces. But the grants have yet to be disbursed. The application portal has been plagued by technical issues.

Industry experts estimate that as many as 90% of independent venues were in peril of immediate closure during the pandemic. These small stages are part of the lifeblood of America’s performing arts scene, spaces where small and upcoming acts and bands get their start and gain momentum. They are essential community spaces, and the thousands that have closed represent a big loss to the country’s cities, towns and neighborhoods.

Advertisement

Recently, more than 160 members of Congress have petitioned the SBA to act with urgency.

A Cellist clapts as a fellow musician in the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra receives compliments from Byron Stripling at the Hartwood Acres Amphitheater on July 24, 2021, in Allison Park.
Jeremy Reynolds and Scott Mervis
Pittsburgh-area arts groups, venues and promoters finally receiving pandemic grants

With vaccines inoculating large swaths of the population, it’s possible that these spaces could once again begin hosting shows in the coming months. The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program surely will play a big role in whether that happens.

Each time a venue closes, a community loses a piece of itself. The SBA must act quickly to preserve these endangered spaces.

Go to section

Advertisement

First Published: May 4, 2021, 4:00 a.m.

RELATED
SHOW COMMENTS (0)  
Join the Conversation
Commenting policy | How to Report Abuse
If you would like your comment to be considered for a published letter to the editor, please send it to letters@post-gazette.com. Letters must be under 250 words and may be edited for length and clarity.
Partners
Advertisement
Dennis Santana of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds during the game at PNC Park on May 21, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
1
sports
Pirates trade rumors: What the Post-Gazette is hearing as MLB’s deadline approaches
Students walk across the campus of the Community College of Beaver County in Center Township on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024.
2
news
Congress wrestled over Pell Grants in the big bill. These Pittsburgh-area colleges have the most Pell-eligible students.
Anti-ICE protesters in downtown San Antonio recently. Adriana Ramirez wonders if she leave America now, before she gets deported for getting arrested as a 19-year-old.
3
opinion
Adriana E. Ramírez: Maybe we should leave before I get deported
The Washington Wild Things and the Joliet Slammers play before a crowd of 1,500 people. The team offers several promotions to draw fans, including $1 beer nights and free tickets for people over 50.
4
business
Small ball? Pittsburgh's other professional baseball team isn't afraid to take shots over the bow
Edmonton Oilers head coach Todd Nelson watches his players during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild in St. Paul, Minn., Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015. The Oilers won 2-1.
5
sports
Todd Nelson is surprised he joined the Penguins, too, but the coach is excited to be back
The Rex Theater on the 1600 block of East Carson Street on the South Side.  (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette
Advertisement
LATEST opinion
Advertisement
TOP
Email a Story