SIOUX FALLS (AP) – Nancy Halverson thinks about the future of Sioux Falls’ art scene – not just the musicians and artists who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, but of the people who rely on the local entertainment industry for a livelihood.

All of it hangs in the balance as the coronavirus pandemic and efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 continue to force difficult decisions for Sioux Falls’ independent venues.

The nonprofit outdoor music venue Halverson helps oversee joined a national effort to get federal aid for independent music venues that have been unable to recoup losses caused by the pandemic and resulting shutdowns.

“A lot of donors right now are moving their funding or they’re shifting around to those first-line responders, which is certainly understandable,” Halverson told the Argus Leader. “We’re not saying that’s not the right decision but it does impact how we go, moving forward.”

Halverson is the executive director of Levitt at the Falls, which recently canceled its August and September calendar and faces direct financial repercussions, with a ripple effect that will reach the larger Sioux Falls community.

While Levitt is less dependent on revenue from ticket sales and bar sales than most music venues, it also benefits from donations made on-site by show goers, and from its share of beverage sales by contractor vendor JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars.

Advocacy work by the recently formed National Independent Venue Association is looking to remedy some of the problems faced by independent venue operators by asking leadership in Washington D.C. approve federal aid.

Levitt is one of seven South Dakota-based venues and promoters that have joined the Association and are helping with its #SaveOurStages campaign, joining almost 2,000 venues from across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The entertainment industry took a “direct hit” at every level from the coronavirus pandemic, Pepper Entertainment Talent Buyer Matt Bump said in an emailed statement.

Pepper, a Sioux Falls-based entertainment marketing agency, has also joined NIVA and the push for federal assistance. The company works with local venues such as The District, The Denny Sanford Premier Center, the Washington Paviloin, Wileys and Sandbar.

“Pepper Entertainment has always strived on building relationships, and mirrors NIVA’s mission to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent live music venues and promoters throughout the United States,” Bump said in his statement.

Most independent venues are likely facing financial ruin and permanent closure due to the effect of the coronavirus on their business, especially with shutdowns across the U.S. possibly running into 2021, according to NIVA. A number of big names in the music industry, including Dave Grohl, Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Jeff Foxworthy and Jerry Seinfeld have joined NIVA’s cause in a letter to Congress.

“Indie venues are the safe places that allow artists to grow, explore, and intertwine the musical culture of their city and their artistic community with their own inner voice,” NIVA President Dayna Frank said in a statement. “We are steadfast launching pads, sounding boards, and cheerleaders for the greatest talent in the world.”