Arts and Humanities Amendments of 1985

Arts and Humanities Amendments of 1985 - Amends the National Foundation on Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965 to delete the finding and declaration that museums are vital to the preservation of our cultural heritage and should be supported in their role as curator of our national consciousness.

Revises the definition of "project" to include, under specified conditions, the construction of facilities for humanistic purposes with the approval of the National Council on the Humanities.

Terminates the Institute of Museum Services.

Deletes a provision which declares that a purpose of the National Foundation of the Arts and Humanities shall be to establish a national policy of support for institutions which preserve the cultural heritage of the United States.

Raises the maximum monetary amount which an application may involve for purposes of certain unilateral action which the Chairman of the National Council on the Arts may take pursuant to a delegation of authority from the Council.

Revises provisions relating to State designation of an agency to administer the State plan for humanities grants.

Deletes references to the Institute of Museum Services and the Director of such Institute under provisions relating to the Federal Council on Arts and the Humanities. Deletes provisions relating to studies and reports by such Council which were due on December 4, 1981, concerning: (1) artistic employment opportunities; and (2) arts and artifacts indemnification. Deletes provisions relating to studies and reports which were due on December 4, 1982, concerning endowment uses of donations, bequests, and devises.

Authorizes appropriations for specified purposes in FY 1986 through 1990 for: (1) the National Endowment for the Arts; and (2) the National Endowment for the Humanities. Limits the maximum amount of combined appropriations authorized for specified purposes for each of such National Endowments. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1990 to such Endowments for administrative expenses. Removes a limitation on the maximum amount of such administrative expense funds which may be used for official reception and representation expenses.

Amends the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act to provide that, for purposes of such Act, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, the Director of the National Gallery of Art, the member designated by the Chairman of the Senate Commission of Art and Antiquities, and the member designated by the Speaker of the House shall not serve as members of the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities.

Increases the aggregate of loss or damage covered at any one time by indemnity agreements made under such Act.

Appropriates up to $1,000,000 annually to pay certified claims of up to $100,000 each under such Act. Provides that the authorization of appropriations to pay certified claims under such Act applies only to the payment of certified claims which are in excess of such appropriated amounts.

Repeals the Museum Services Act, effective October 1, 1986. Limits the authorization of appropriations under such Act to FY 1986. Limits the National Museum Service Board established under such Act to one meeting during FY 1986.