§ 10.01. Legislative findings and declaration of intent. The legislature hereby finds and declares that the Hudson river area of New York state, which includes that area of the state adjacent to the Hudson river and extending from the Adirondack Mountains to the tip of Manhattan Island in the city of New York, is unique for its contribution to the arts, culture, history and heritage of this state, this nation and the world.

It is further found and declared that efforts to identify and conserve the literary and visual arts record of the Hudson river valley; to maintain and make accessible the artistic and cultural materials that document the heritage of this area; to support research, publications, educational programs and to promote contemporary artistic works interpreting the cultural and natural history of the area; and to facilitate statewide, interstate and international collaborations and exchange programs of art, artists and scholars concerning the history, art and cultural contributions of the area to the state and to the cultural, historic and artistic life of the country and the world are in every respect in the public interest and to the benefit of all persons in this state.

It is hereby declared a policy of the state that there be created the Institute for the Hudson River Collection with a legislative mandate to take such actions as are necessary and appropriate to assure the strengthening, perpetuation and continued availability of the artistic and cultural heritage of the Hudson river area to this state, the country and the world.