The outgoing chair of the New Zealand International Arts Festival says the event is at risk of being downsized or stopped if people do not start supporting it with their wallets.
Fran Wilde issued the warning after it was revealed the biennial festival in Wellington lost $200,000 this year, the first loss since 2002.
Ms Wilde says it could turn into a small provincial event if people do not buy more tickets, which can cost up to $176.
Incoming chair Kerry Prendergast says the festival is in good heart although she concedes securing sponsorship is always difficult, especially with the pressure put on spending by events such as the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
