The National Black Arts Festival kicks-off today in Atlanta. But the event has been significantly scaled-back due to the economic downturn.

Festival officials say they have a budget of around $350,000 this year--compared to $1.5 million last year. Also, the festival has been cut-down from 10 to 5 days. The festival's full-time staff has been reduced from 16 to 10, and the usual dance performances that brought in Alvin Ailey and Katherine Dunham have been cut.

The event began in 1988.

Tags: economy, Atlanta, National Black Arts Festival