4.—(1) The functions of the Arts Council shall be—
(a)to develop and improve the knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts;
(b)to increase public access to, and participation in, the arts;
(c)to advise the Department and other government departments, district councils and other bodies on matters relating to the arts; and
(d)such other functions as are conferred on the Council by any other statutory provision.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1), the Arts Council may, for the purposes of those functions—
(a)encourage and assist—
(i)the provision of arts facilities and events; and
(ii)the co-ordination and efficient use of resources for the arts;
(b)provide financial assistance to persons or bodies;
(c)receive donations and make charges for its services;
(d)organise or assist in the organisation of, conferences, seminars and courses of training;
(e)assist the provision of administrative services and training for or by any body providing facilities for, or in connection with, the arts;
(f)provide and manage arts facilities;
(g)print, publish and disseminate information relating to the arts;
(h)visit other parts of the United Kingdom and other countries;
(i)co-operate with other bodies established within the United Kingdom or outside the United Kingdom;
(j)carry out, or assist or co-operate with other persons in carrying out, research into and studies concerning matters relating to the arts.
(3) It shall be the duty of the Arts Council to consult regularly with district councils on the exercise by the Council of its functions.
(4) In addition, the Arts Council shall make provision for regular consultation with members of district councils on the development of the arts.
(5) The reference in paragraph (3) to the functions of the Arts Council does not include a reference to national lottery functions.