Who we are
Supporting live music in Canada
AVT was created with the long-term goal of preserving a sustainable live music industry in Canada by creating a National charity specifically to preserve grassroots music venues; an organization that could purchase small to medium sized properties and lease them to venue operators who could then continue to run them as live music venues. Too often these properties close and become condos, and venues were particularly affected during the pandemic. Intervention in the market is required if they are to be saved. We must also view these sites as the cultural landmarks that they are. They make up the cultural fabric of every community and contribute greatly to tourism, cultural development, and community building.
What we do
List of Services
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Venue SupportList Item 1
AVT's core mission is to support live grassroots music venues, which form the backbone of live music in Canada. These venues are essential to artist development and prop up the larger music industry as a whole.
We support venues by:
- Providing emergency one-time funding to venues in need with our venue pipeline fund (up to $25K)
- Connecting venues across the country with shared opportunities for thought leadership, booking resources, networking, listings and partnerships with our Artist Venue Alliance membership.
- Purchasing and acquiring at-risk-of-closure venues so that operators can continue to host live music events.
- Supporting and promoting live grassroots music across the country, adding additional exposure for venues.
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AdvocacyList Item 2
We are passionate about building a long-term strategy that guides government policy towards protecting and safeguarding live grassroots music venues in Canada. They play a vital role in the cultural and economic vibrancy of every town or city that is lucky enough to have one (or more).
Our advocacy work includes:
- Public awareness campaigns and letter writing campaigns.
- Meeting with Federal and Provincial ministers of tourism.
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PartnershipsList Item 3
AVT works to safeguard live grassroots music venues in Canada and partners with organizations, people, and groups of importance to further this mission.
Some of the partnerships we foster include:
- Artists / musician patrons who care about the future of live music in Canada and understand the importance of protecting grassroots venues.
- Industry allies who provide services to live music venues including; HVAC and construction, design, stage and equipment materials, staffing, promotion, and more.
- Industry influencers who help us spread the mission, create awareness and protect live music venues.
- Politiicans and lobbying groups who are actively advocating to protect live grassroots music venues in Canada and who help guide legislation.
- Broadcasters and media personalities who help us create awareness for AVT campaigns.