(1) The general assembly finds and declares:
That encouragement and support of the arts and humanities, while primarily a matterfor private and local initiative, is also an appropriate matter of concern to the state government;
That many of our citizens lack the opportunity to view, enjoy, or participate in livingtheatrical performances, musical concerts, operas, dance and ballet recitals, art exhibits, examples of fine architecture, and the performing and visual arts generally;
That, with increasing leisure time, the practice and enjoyment of the arts and humanities are of increasing importance;
That many of our citizens possess talents of an artistic and creative nature that cannotbe utilized to their fullest extent under existing conditions;
That the general welfare of the people of the state will be promoted by giving furtherrecognition to the arts and humanities as a vital part of our culture and heritage and as an important means of expanding the scope of our community life;
That it is desirable to establish a council on creative industries and to provide suchrecognition and assistance as will encourage and promote the state's artistic and cultural progress;
That it is the policy of the state to cooperate with private patrons, private and publicinstitutions, and professional and nonprofessional organizations concerned with the arts and humanities to ensure that the role of the arts and humanities in the life of our communities will continue to grow and to play an ever more significant part in the welfare and educational experience of our citizens and to establish the paramount position of this state in the nation and in the world as a cultural center;
That all activities undertaken by the state in carrying out the policy set out in thissection shall be directed toward encouraging and assisting, rather than in any way limiting, the freedom of artistic expression that is essential for the well-being of the arts and humanities.
Source: L. 2010: Entire part added with relocations, (SB 10-158), ch. 231, p. 997, § 1, effective July 1.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 24-48.8-102 as it existed prior to 2010.