1. The general assembly, giving due consideration to the historical and continuing interest of the people of the state of Missouri in encouraging the educational and cultural enrichment of its residents, finds that public humanities education, including the study of history, literature and other aspects of culture, contribute significantly to such enrichment, and consequently that support of a humanities council is an important public purpose.

2. As used in sections 186.050 to 186.067, the term “humanities council” means the not-for-profit organization designated as the Missouri state affiliate of the federal agency, the National Endowment for the Humanities.