The World Music Institute, the non-profit presenter of contemporary music and dance concerts, has cut Helene Browning, PR chief/co-founder, due to a budget shortfall.

With husband, Robert, Browning founded the New York-based organization in 1985.

WMI has presented performances from artists from China, India, Iran, Central Asia, Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe at NYC venues (Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, New York City Center and NYU’s Skirball Performing Arts Center) and stages throughout the country.

The New York Times called Browning a "hard-driving publicist” who helped build WMI into a "widely copied and influential force in New York cultural circles."

Karen Sandler, executive director of WMI, called the decision to cut Browning a "tough one."

A full-time fund-raiser will replace her.