3.01 - Legislative findings and declaration of policy.

§ 3.01. Legislative  findings  and declaration of policy. It is hereby  found 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 the performing and fine arts generally. It is hereby  further  found  that,  with  increasing  leisure time, the practice and enjoyment of the  arts are of increasing importance and that the general  welfare  of  the  people  of  the  state 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.    It  is  hereby  declared  to  be  the policy of the state to join with  private patrons and with  institutions  and  professional  organizations  concerned  with the arts to insure that the role of the arts in the life  of our communities will continue to grow and  will  play  an  ever  more  significant  part  in  the  welfare  and  educational  experience of our  citizens and in maintaining the paramount position of this state in  the  nation and in the world as a cultural center.    It  is further declared that all activities undertaken by the state in  carrying out this  policy  shall  be  directed  toward  encouraging  and  assisting  rather  than  in  any  ways  limiting the freedom of artistic  expression that is essential for the well-being of the arts.