(a) The following may apply to the Arkansas Arts Council to designate an arts and cultural district: 
(1) A city or county for an area within the city or county; 
(2) With the prior consent of the city, a county, on its own behalf or on behalf of a city, for an area in the city; or 
(3) Two (2) or more cities or counties jointly for an area at least partially located in each city or county. 
(b) The application shall: 
(1) Be in the form and manner and contain the information required by the council; 
(2) Contain sufficient information to allow the council to determine if the proposed arts and cultural district qualifies under § 15-11-902(2); and 
(3) Be submitted for a city or county by the chief elected officer or, if none, the governing body of the city or county.