 The decision, and subsequent festival, received criticism from the LGBTIQ community, including from the festival co-founder Helen Bock.This left the festival without artistic leadership, to be led by the General Manager, Cassandra Liebeknecht and Chair of the Board, Joshua Rayner.In September 2016, General Manager, Cassandra Liebeknecht was suspended on full pay pending an investigation while the board investigated allegations of unprofessional conduct, and was criticized for incompetence and breaking relationships with arts and LGBTIQ community.