1. Encouragement. To take such steps as may be necessary and appropriate to encourage and stimulate public interest and participation in the cultural heritage and programs of our State and to expand the state’s cultural resources; and

2. Freedom. To encourage and assist freedom of artistic expression essential for the well-being of the arts; and

3. Surveys. To make such surveys as may be deemed advisable of public and private institutions engaged within the State in artistic and cultural activities, including, but not limited to, music, theatre, dance, painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, history and allied studies and pursuits, and to make recommendations concerning appropriate methods of encouraging participation in and appreciation of the foregoing to meet the legitimate needs and aspirations of persons in all parts of the State.

4. Works of art. To act in an advisory capacity relative to the creation, acquisition, construction or erection by the State of any work of art, to file with the Governor, within 30 days, its opinion of such proposed work of art together with such suggestions and recommendations as it may deem proper. The term “work of art” as used in this subsection shall include any painting, portrait, mural, decoration, stained glass, statue, tablet, bas-relief, ornament, fountain or other article or structure of a permanent character intended for decoration or commemoration, but shall not include “historical materials” administered by the Maine State Museum Commission nor the State Capitol Building, including its exterior, interior, fixtures or decorations.