78 STAT.]
905
PUBLIC LAW 88-579-SEPT. 3, 1964
Public Law 88-579 AN ACT September 3, 1964 To provide for the establishment of a National Council on the A r t s to assist [H. R. 9586] in the growth and development of the a r t s in the United States.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives United States of America in Congress assembled,
of the
SHORT TITLE
National Arts and Cultural Development Act of 1964.
1. This Act may be cited as the "National Arts and Cultural Development Act of 1964". SECTION
DECLARATION OF POLICY
SEC. 2. The Congress hereby finds and declares— (1) that the growth and flourishing of the arts depend upon freedom, imagination, and individual initiative; (2) that the encouragement and support of the arts, while primarily a matter for private and local initiative, is also an appropriate matter of concern to the Federal Government; (3) that the Nation's prestige and general welfare will be promoted by providing recognition that the arts and the creative spirit which motivates them and which they personify are a valued and essential part of the Nation's resources; (4) that it is in the best interests of the United States to maintain, develop, and disseminate the Nation's artistic and cultural resources; and (5) that, in order to implement these findings, it is desirable to establish a National Council on the Arts to provide such recognition and assistance as will encourage and promote the Nation's artistic and cultural progress. ASSURANCE AGAINST FEDERAL INTERFERENCE IN THE ARTS
SEC. 3. I n the administration of this Act no department, agency, officer, or employee of the United States shall exercise any direction, supervision, or control, over the policy or program determination of any group. State, or State agency involved in the arts. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COUNCIL
SEC. 4. There is hereby established in the Executive Office of the „J\^h"°Art ^°""" President a National Council on the Arts (hereinafter referred to as °" ^ "^'" the "Council"). MEMBERSHIP OF THE COUNCIL
SEC. 5. (a) The Council shall be composed of the Chairman provided for in section 6 of this Act, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, ex officio, and twenty-four members appointed by the President. Such members shall be selected (1) from among private citizens of the United States who are widely recognized for their broad knowledge of or experience in, or for their profound interest in the arts; (2) so as to include practicing artists, civic cultural leaders, members of the museum profession, and others who are professionally engaged in the arts; and (3) so as collectively to provide an appropriate distribution of membership among the major a r t fields. The President is requested in the making of such appointments to give consideration to such recommendations as may from time to
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