LAFAYETTE PARISH — Festival International de Louisiane has started a GoFundMe to help defray some of the costs of putting on the annual festival.
Organizers cited rising costs, complex visa requirements, and international tax obligations that now consume nearly a third of what the non-profit says they pay its overseas artists. According to the GoFundMe, the budget for performers alone is $300,000.
Organizers said they're now calling on supporters to help ensure Festival, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, is able to continue operating.
