The Council has the power and duty (a) to survey and assess the needs of the arts, both visual and performing, throughout the State; (b) to identify existing legislation, policies and programs which affect the arts and to evaluate their effectiveness; (c) to stimulate public understanding and recognition of the importance of cultural institutions in Illinois; (d) to promote an encouraging atmosphere for creative artists residing in Illinois; (e) to encourage the use of local resources for the development and support of the arts; and (f) to report to the Governor and to the General Assembly biennially, on or about the third Monday in January of each odd-numbered year, the results of and its recommendations based upon its investigations.
     The requirement for reporting to the General Assembly shall be satisfied by filing copies of the report as required by § 3.1 of the General Assembly Organization Act, and filing such additional copies with the State Government Report Distribution Center for the General Assembly as is required under paragraph (t) of Section 7 of the State Library Act.