Federal Relief Bill Includes $15 Billion For Independent Live Performance Venues

Entertainment venues in Tulsa could soon see federal aid from the COVID-19 relief bill. The ‘Save Our Stages’ piece in the bill sets aside $15 billion for independent theaters, venues, museums and more.

It's unclear exactly how many venues in Tulsa will be able to take advantage of this federal money.

News On 6 reached out to Cain's Ballroom and the BOK Center, as well as contacted the City of Tulsa to ask about Gilcrease Museum, since the city owns it.

Each said their teams are looking into how to tap into this relief. Cain's Ballroom said they're unsure at this time but are hopeful.

The Tulsa Regional Chamber said this funding is going to be run through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Entertainment venues can apply for grants for six months of payrolls and other costs, including rent and utilities. To qualify, venues must have lost at least 25 percent of their annual revenue this year because of the pandemic.

These grants are capped at $10 million and are not available to publicly traded companies or other large businesses.

"We're especially focused on some of the community venues, and historic venues, like the Cain’s Ballroom. Those venues that are treasures to our community. That will help these venues that have been shuttered by the pandemic, and ensure that they're not closed forever," Elizabeth Osburn with the Tulsa Regional Chamber said.

The National Independent Venue Association said they're raising money to help at-risk venues, while they wait for grants to be issued.