There is hereby created the Ohio arts council, which shall foster and encourage the development of the arts in this state and the preservation of Ohio's cultural heritage. The council shall consist of fifteen voting members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate, two nonvoting members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker, and two nonvoting members of the senate appointed by the president. The members appointed from each house of the general assembly shall not be from the same political party. Terms of office for members appointed by the governor shall be for five years, commencing on the second day of July and ending on the first day of July. The legislative members shall be appointed within ten days of the convening of the first regular session of each general assembly and shall serve through the thirty-first day of December of the following year. Each member shall hold office from the date of his appointment until the end of the term for which he was appointed. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his predecessor was appointed shall hold office for the remainder of such term. Any member appointed by the governor shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of his term until his successor takes office, or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first. The governor shall name the chairman and vice-chairman of the council, and they shall serve in such positions at his pleasure. Members of the council shall serve without compensation but are entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred in connection with official business of the council. Persons appointed to the council by the governor shall have broad knowledge and experience in the arts. At least a majority of the members of the council shall be persons other than professional artists. In making appointments to the council, the governor may appoint such professional artists as are necessary, in his judgment, to ensure that the council is broadly representative of all the arts.

Effective Date: 07-30-1979.