AUSTRALIANS are free to understand their history and learn from it, but in WA this last happy state of affairs is being jeopardised by the unwillingness of successive governments to invest in our joint cultural capital.
Where is the new museum building, needed to replace the old that is riddled with asbestos? It was to be the restored East Perth Power Station, but no longer.
Where are the State Archives to be housed now that there is no more room for them in the Alexander building?
They are mouldering in government departments, which resent having to keep them.
The Art Gallery, too, lacks funding for specialist staff.
These matters are hugely important. Why?
The arts service our creativity, our precious ability to produce books, journals, paintings and works of art in every sense, which helps us understand who we are and where we come from.
We should call this laggard Government to account right now. WA is a very wealthy State, but has it invested in these matters?
No, indeed it has not.
Funding has been withdrawn from all the above institutions at a time when other States are recognising their duty to their constituents and to their future.
Melbourne has a wonderful refurbished public library in the centre of the city.
Brisbane has invested heavily in the arts on the South Bank, recently opening a splendid new gallery of modern art.
Hobart lovingly rebuilt its tiny jewel of a theatre when it was destroyed by fire.
Readers will know of more examples.
In contrast, WA has closed its museums and art gallery one day each week to stretch funding.
This is not good enough.