Music Commission News

Independent Music Venues Aotearoa (IMVA) is proud to unveil its mission.

A not-for-profit incorporated society owned and run by its member venues, IMVA is an evolution of the esteemed Save Our Venues initiative.

IMVA offers a collective voice to advocate for live music venues and amplify support for them. At launch, IMVA has 26 member venues spanning the country and is actively working to expand this member base. Venues that regularly host original live music are strongly encouraged to apply for membership and join the cause.

Save Our Venues initially formed to help grassroots music venues survive the immense financial challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The collective engaged in various activities over the next four years, including major fundraising drives, research, advocacy campaigns, community events, and engagement with central and local government as well as the wider music sector.

However, the work is far from over. Recognising the need to look to the future, IMVA carries on the work of Save Our Venues and further expands it, advocating for regulatory reform and policies that nurture and sustain live music venues.

In addition to evidence-based policy changes and strategy development to support the sustainable operation of music venues, IMVA addresses ongoing threats posed by noise/sound enforcement, along with a focus on liquor licensing and urban/regional planning.

IMVA Chair Lucy Macrae states, “The last four years have been spent building a strong network of venues and partners, pushing for real change and initiatives that support and sustain live music venues. The public launch of IMVA—a not-for-profit society whose future lies in the hands of its member venues—feels truly amazing.”

IMVA will continue working to celebrate and sustain the diverse array of music venues around Aotearoa, each a unique and vital piece of the cultural infrastructure.

The nationwide collective of members serves as a testament to the rich tapestry of live music in this exceptional country and the dedicated individuals working tirelessly in Aotearoa’s venues.

These intimate spaces are homes for the music whānau. They serve as incubators for local talent to take their music to the world and create jobs in the music sector and associated industries. They are also where New Zealanders share in the experience of live music—week in, week out.

Today, IMVA calls on all independent music venues from Cape Reinga to Rakiura. The organization wants to hear from venues to connect, collaborate, and share in the collective experience, growing stronger together as Independent Music Venues Aotearoa.

United, the collective gives itself the best opportunity to preserve and celebrate live music culture for now and for future generations.

Check out all things IMVA:
Website
Facebook
Instagram

IMVA acknowledges the invaluable support of: New Zealand Music Commission Te Reo Reka o Aotearoa, ALMR funded by the Manatū Taonga / Ministry for Culture and Heritage Cultural Sector Regeneration Fund and APRA AMCOS NZ.