I spent an afternoon last month running around town renewing my museum membership, symphony and opera tickets, that sort of thing. I call these "artistic acts of faith," because we find ourselves in precarious economic times where many despair for the future of art -- and the future of much else, including newspapers, informed democracy and polar bears.

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To buy tickets for events scheduled almost a year from now, events that might not take place or find me scraping for rent money when they do, indicates a more upbeat -- even Pollyannish -- view.

The logical part of me argued loudly to keep my wallet shut until I see what challenges are coming.

But the emotional part of me realized the necessity of making a commitment now and argued its own sort of logic thus:

1. They need the money. Art groups have to stay ahead of the red ink tide just like any other business. This year is particularly tough. No one wanted to talk about it, but income has taken a hit in the past six months as it has for worthy charities far and wide. Those of us for whom the arts are a special cause do them a disservice when we dawdle.

2. I need to man up. There are few certainties about the next 12 months. But expecting to sit down, all astir with curiosity, dread or eager anticipation for a show or concert on such-and-such a date puts a little order in life. Besides, it's cowardly and un-Alaskan to dispense lip service without being prepared to act.

Owning the tickets kicks you off the stool of staleness and gets you back onto the trail that leads ahead; it assures you that there is a future and that you're part of it. And even if I don't think I'll like a particular item on the program, experience has taught me that on any given evening I can be pleasantly surprised.

3. We need the bragging rights. Experience also convinces me that the character of any large community correlates with the quality of its symphony orchestra, theater, museums, libraries and other cultural resources. On a per capita basis, the quality of such institutions in Anchorage is high. It helps me one-up my boastful friends in the Lower 48 to say that I live in a city capable of hosting an exhibit of Andy Warhol art or staging a production of "Eugene Onegin."

What's more, the level of public involvement with these institutions is also high. That involvement connects with positive virtues like thoughtfulness, confidence, enlightenment and respect for neighbors.

Becoming a paying arts constituent buys civic pride, stockpiles it for when we need to tap reserves of dignity and optimism to get through embarrassing, tumultuous or desperate spells.

I bristle at the ill-informed but widespread outside perception of Alaskans as crazies, whiners and copycats. Surely we'd prefer to be seen as a community that prizes and promotes the imperishable attributes of mind and spirit, a citizenry committed to building the intellectual and aesthetic character that often determines the prosperity -- and even survival -- of a city, state or nation.

The way I see it, supporting the arts is a patriotic duty.

Meanwhile, south of Portage

The Kenai Peninsula Orchestra is presenting its summer music festival this week, with free noontime performances in various venues. Today is the cruise from Homer to Tutka Bay for an evening of chamber music, chocolate and champagne. It will wind up with two concerts featuring local pianist Maria Allison, at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 7 at Homer High School and 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 8 at Kenai Central High School. The program includes music by Grieg, Brahms, Mendelssohn and Dukas. Tammy Vollom-Matturro will conduct.

The Madison String Quartet will wind up everything with a concert in Homer on Aug. 9. For a schedule and ticket information, go to kpoalaska.org or call 907-235-4899.

Symphony tryouts this month

The Anchorage Symphony Orchestra will be auditioning for musicians in all sections Aug. 24 and 25. For an appointment and more information, call the symphony office at 274-8668 or pickup materials there, 400 D Street, Suite 230. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Find Mike Dunham online at adn.com/contact/mdunham or call 257-4332.

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