THE CULTURE minister last night ruled out a cash life-line for the Belfast Festival but vowed to lobby other departments for arts funding.
Queen's University announced on Thursday that it was withdrawing funding for the multi-arts festival which has borne its name for more than half a century.
University pro-vice chancellor Tony Gallagher said continued support would see Queen's "expose itself to an unacceptable financial risk".
Festival organisers insisted it is "in the financial black and under the new management engaged in April 2013 [and] has written off the historic £242,000 deficit, which was the consequence of the significant anniversary edition of Festival 50 in 2012".
It is expected the withdrawal of 13 per cent of funding will lead to job losses.
Culture minister Carál Ní Chuilín warned the institution's move "sends a message out to the arts that humanities and the arts are not worth funding, it doesn't have value".
However, she ruled out the possibility of her department bridging the gap, although she said she was keen her department's support through the Arts Council would continue.
And Ms Ní Chuilín said she would lobby other executive departments for arts funding.
"I do understand that [Queen's] are in difficult times and they're having to make difficult choices as many people do," she told the media.
Organisers said they "appreciate the minister is also addressing cuts to her department and we look forward to discussing with the minister the outcome of our stakeholder meetings and the options for developing 'Festival' for the city".
The rest of its main funders will meet in coming days to discuss its future, which the Arts Council said is likely to see it scaled back.