From dives to Broadway, US arts aid offers ’lifeline’ to devastated venues

The Stone Pony in New Jersey's Asbury Park has hosted dozens of musicians on their ascent to stardom - including none other than Bruce Springsteen - but for months it's sat dark due to the coronavirus pandemic.

And like hundreds of other cultural institutions across the United States its owners are hopeful relief is finally on the way: the latest COVID-19 bill recently signed into law by President Donald Trump includes $15 billion for beleaguered arts venues to survive the ongoing crisis.

The funds - part of a $900 billion coronavirus relief package - aim to support institutions from dives to Broadway, and come after months of efforts as part of the "Save Our Stages" campaign.

Caroline O'Toole, who manages The Stone Pony, voiced hope that the money would offer a lifeline to the music world, calling the fervent efforts from the industry to get the bill passed "outstanding."

"It just makes you so proud to be part of something like this. To get Washington to move on something like this is amazing," she said.

Independent entertainment venues and theaters as well as many cultural nonprofits can apply to the grants geared towards supporting rent and maintenance.

Eligible applicants include those who've lost at least 25 percent of their revenue, with those who've lost more than 90 percent tapped as the first in line.

Qualified businesses can receive up to 45 percent of their gross revenue from 2019, with a cap of $10 million.

"We've already started to pull together our documentation," said Katie Tuten, co-owner of The Hideout, a 150-person Chicago music venue.

Tuten was among the industry leaders campaigning for the bill, which was co-sponsored by Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar and Republican Senator...