When the recession comes to an end, will Spokane’s cultural institutions still be there?

The downturn has a lot of us cutting back on spending. Even folks whose employment seems secure are learning a new frugality as they watch friends and neighbors struggle. We spend less on cable, eat out less often, vacation closer to home.

But where does that leave our cultural institutions? In the past decade, the cultural scene in Spokane has flourished and expanded. This growth was slow and hard-won, and this recession could undo decades of progress. Museums, art galleries, orchestras and live theaters across the country are laying off employees, cutting back their hours and programming and in some cases shutting their doors. The situation at some Spokane institutions is dire.

So if you have kept your job, please don’t forget the arts. Go to a play or concert this month. Buy a book at an independent bookstore. And now is the time to get a family membership at the MAC. ($75 covers three generations of your family, and the new “Plateau Celebrations” exhibit is fantastic.) Don’t let the community-building work of years slip away in a few months.

Larry Cebula

Spokane