The corporation shall have as its purpose and mission to encourage, sponsor, develop, promote, and coordinate cultural and educational activities in Franklin County. In addition to initiating its own arts programs, the Council may engage in and assist existing arts organizations, committees, or projects. The Council may also sponsor cooperative planning, research, fund raising, and public education programs, and administer property and undertake other such services as deemed essential to the growth and appreciation of the visual, literary, and performing arts in the County.