The Centre of New Zealand Studies at a UK university may be forced to close its doors after just two and a-half years.
The centre - the largest overseas research institute of New Zealand art and culture - faces closure because the heads of Birkbeck College in London, where it is based, say they cannot afford to run it.
It offered weekly Maori language classes, regular film screenings and accommodated six PhD students.
Prominent New Zealand writers including C. K. Stead, Elizabeth Smither and Vincent O'Sullivan have all made visits.
The threat of closure has alarmed New Zealand academics and artists.
An online petition has attracted more than 1000 signatures from scholars, artists and students, both in New Zealand and abroad, deploring the closure.
Paul Burns, an expatriate in London who is behind the petition, described the move as "an act of cultural vandalism".
"The closure of the centre will deprive researchers, academics, writers and the creative and cultural industries of a wonderful resource base and forum," Mr Burns said.
Playwright Roger Hall, writer Fiona Kidman and comedian Oscar Kightly have all pledged online support.
The centre has been temporarily closed while Birkbeck College reviews its activities and funding.
However, it is understood the long-term future looks doubtful.
Prof David Latchman, Master of Birkbeck, told Mr Burns the centre was established as a pilot programme.
Prof Latchman said the college could not make a long-term financial commitment.
In an email to Mr Burns he said he hoped the centre's activities could continue - but said the college was "stepping back from involvement".
New Zealand poet Fleur Adcock, on The Times Higher Education website, implored others to fight "this scandalous decision".
The centre has held 114 events, five conferences and three festivals since opening in April 2007.
New Zealand writer Witi Ihimaera called the centre "an amazing success story" and said the centre had been instrumental in promoting New Zealand culture, art and architecture throughout Europe.
Mr Burns urged the New Zealand Government to intervene.
The centre received a $255,000 endowment from the Government last year with the understanding it would run until at least April 2011.
Mr Burns said Birkbeck's actions abrogated the agreement.
A spokesman for Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said the Government hoped the centre would remain open.
The New Zealand High Commission in London was assisting with the review, Mr McCully said.
At a glance
- Centre of New Zealand Studies opened in 2007 at the University of London's Birkbeck College.
- Research hub for scholarship on New Zealand art, culture.
- Largest overseas collection of New Zealand books, journals, DVDs, CDs and manuscripts.
- Promoted New Zealand art throughout Europe.
- Base for New Zealand scholars to collaborate with European academic community.
- Four to five books published annually.
