(a) The Legislature finds that many of our citizens lack the opportunity to view, enjoy or participate in living theatrical performances, musical concerts, operas, dance and ballet recitals, art exhibits, examples of fine architecture, and that the enjoyment of the arts are of increasing importance and that the general welfare of the people of the United States Virgin Islands will be promoted by giving further recognition to the arts as a vital aspect of our culture and heritage and as a valued means of expanding the scope of our educational programs.
(b) There is established within the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, a Virgin Islands Council on the Arts (hereinafter, referred to as the “Council”). The Council shall consist of nine members, broadly representative of all fields of the performing and fine arts to be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Legislature, from among private citizens who are widely known for their professional competence and experience in connection with the performing and fine arts. In making such appointments, due consideration shall be given to the recommendations made by representative civic, educational and professional associations and groups concerned with, or engaged in, the production or presentation of the performing and fine arts generally.
(c) Commencing with the appointment of members to the Council to fill vacancies occurring in fiscal year 1984, the Governor shall nominate three members to serve for a one-year term, three members to serve for a two-year term, and terms thereafter shall be for three years. The Commissioner of Planning and Natural Resources shall call the first meeting of this Council and shall preside at such a meeting until a Chairman has been elected by the Council. The Council shall annually elect a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer from among its membership. Vacancies in the Council occurring other than by expiration of term, shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as original appointments. Members may serve no more than two consecutive full terms, except in accordance with Title 3, section 65a, subsection (c), Virgin Islands Code.
(d) Each member of the Council who is not a public officer or employee shall receive a per diem of thirty (30) dollars for each day he attends a meeting of the Council on the Arts, and he shall be entitled to reimbursement of necessary travel or other expenses incurred in the discharge of his duties as a member of the Council. Public officials and employees shall receive reimbursement for travel and other expenses in accordance with government travel regulations.
(e) The Chairman may appoint such officers, experts and other employees as he may deem necessary, prescribe their duties, fix their compensation and provide for reimbursement of their expenses within amounts available therefor by appropriation.
(f) The Council shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) To stimulate and encourage throughout the Virgin Islands the study and presentation of the performing and fine arts and public interest and participation therein;
(2) To make such surveys, as may be deemed advisable, of public and private institutions engaged within the United States Virgin Islands in artistic and cultural activities, including but not limited to, music, theatre, dance, painting, sculpture, architecture and allied arts and crafts, and to make recommendations concerning appropriate methods to encourage participation in and appreciation of the arts to meet the legitimate needs and aspirations of the people of the United States Virgin Islands;
(3) To take such steps as may be necessary and appropriate to encourage public interest in the cultural heritage of the United States Virgin Islands to expand the cultural resources of the United States Virgin Islands;
(4) To hold public or private hearings;
(5) To enter into contracts with individuals, organizations and institutions for service furthering the educational objectives of the Council's programs;
(6) To accept gifts, contributions and bequests of unrestricted funds from individuals, foundations, corporations and other organizations or institutions for the purpose of furthering the educational objectives of the Council's programs;
(7) To make and sign any agreements and to perform any acts that may be necessary, desirable or proper to carry out the purposes of this section;
(8) To effectuate the purposes of this section, the Council may request from any department, board, bureau, commission or other agency of the Government of the United States Virgin Islands, and the same are authorized to provide, such assistance, service and duties as will enable the Council to properly carry out its powers and duties hereunder; and
(9) To cooperate with federal agencies whose purpose and functions are designed to promote the objectives of this section and to receive and expend all funds made available by the federal government for the promotion of the objectives of this section.
(g) No later than 60 days after the close of each fiscal year, the Council shall prepare and submit to the Legislature and the Governor for such fiscal year: (1) an Annual Report of its programs, activities and accomplishments; and (2) a financial statement, which shall include, but not be limited to, a report of all funds received from all sources and all expenditures made and obligations incurred. The Council shall also submit to the Legislature and to the Governor, at such other times as may be required, reports on any aspect of its activities.