A Wellington producer says the closure of Downstage theatre is a sign the arts need more funding.
Downstage held its final performance on Saturday night, after Creative New Zealand cut its funding for the 2014 year. It had been receiving $345,000 annually.
Live at 6 producer Adrianne Roberts says the arts reflect New Zealand's cultural identity and the closure shines a light on the lack of funding the arts are receiving.
Downstage was New Zealand's longest-running professional theatre company.
The owners of the Downstage building, the Hannah Playhouse Trust, says it will remain a theatre.
