The Chicago Independent Venue League (CIVL) brings Chicago’s independent performing arts venues together to advocate for a stronger, more sustainable live music and arts community.

Chicago’s independent venues are the heartbeat of our city.

CIVL helps protect them.

Support Our Work

Uniting & Advocating for Chicago’s Independent Venues

We protect the city’s creative soul & ensures live performance thrives.

What We Do

CIVL has been the driving force behind Chicago’s independently-owned performing arts venues since 2018. Our members aren’t just stages; they’re the beating heart of Chicago’s vibrant cultural landscape, nurturing creativity, diversity, and community.

CIVL champions these essential spaces, recognizing their dual role as cultural powerhouses and economic engines.

By advocating for strong, sustainable venues, CIVL keeps Chicago’s arts scene thriving and ensures the city’s creative and economic future remains bright.

CIVL is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization.

CIVL Venues

Annoyance Theatre • The Auditorium • Avondale Music Hall • Beat Kitchen • Blue Chicago • Cafe Mustache • Carol’s Pub • Chop Shop • Co-Prosperity • Cole’s Bar • Color Club • Constellation • Copernicus Center • Elastic Arts Foundation • Empty Bottle • Gman Tavern • Harold Washington Cultural Center • The Hideout • Hungry Brain • Joe’s on Weed St. • Lincoln Hall • Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar • Metro • Old Town School of Folk Music • Park West • Patio Theater • The Portage Theater • The Promontory • Ramova Theatre • Reggies • The Riviera Theatre • Rosa’s Lounge • The Salt Shed • Schubas Tavern • Sleeping Village • smartbar • Spy Bar • Subterranean • Thalia Hall • Uncommon Ground • The Vic Theater • The Whistler

Get Involved

I want to support venues as a patron.

I run an independent venue in Chicago.

I want to know what CIVL is fighting for.

Donate Now
Join CIVL
Our Advocacy

Board of Directors & Leadership

  • Jimalita Tillman

    Co-Chair

  • Chris Bauman

    Co-Chair

  • Cassie Dickson

    Secretary

  • Matt Woodburn

    Treasurer

  • Matt Rucins

    Director

  • Bobby Ramirez

    Director

  • Robert Gomez

    Director

  • Billy Helmkamp

    Executive Director

CIVL By the Numbers

$2.8B

Annual economic output generated by Chicago’s independent live-entertainment sector

16,990

Creative-sector jobs supported

$184.9M

State and local tax revenue generated

Explore Our impact →

Are you an independent Chicago venue?

CIVL brings venue owners and teams together to share resources, coordinate advocacy, and strengthen the community. We want to hear from you.

Learn about Membership →