Skip to content
  1. Home
  2. Departments & Agencies
  3. Department of Cultural Affairs

Department of Cultural Affairs

About the Department

For centuries, New Mexico has been a mecca where many and varied cultures have lived side by side, sharing and celebrating their cultural differences. The result — a lush, refreshing texture of styles and designs on the joyful business of living. The Department of Cultural Affairs represents New Mexico’s dedication to preserving and celebrating the cultural integrity and diversity of the state.

Latest News

Fiesta of Cultures celebrates New Mexico’s diversity at Coronado Historic Site
9/26/2025
Coronado Historic Site | Sep 29, 2025From East Indian dance to an LGBTQ square dance group to Irish dancers, the annual Fiesta of Cultures at Coronado Historic Site celebrates the many cultures of New Mexico. This family-friendly event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and is co-presented by New Mexico Historic Sites and The Friends of Coronado and Jemez Historic Sites.
Read more...
NM Museum of Natural History & Science contributes to new dinosaur discovery in Montana
9/23/2025
New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science | Sep 23, 2025A team of researchers that included the Executive Director of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science recently identified jawbones from a species of ostrich-like dinosaur in Montana.
Read more...
Labor of Love: National Hispanic Cultural Center, Opera Southwest bring life of labor leader Dolores Huerta to the stage on Oct.
9/22/2025
National Hispanic Cultural Center | Sep 22, 2025In collaboration with Opera Southwest, the National Hispanic Cultural Center is proud to present an opera based on the remarkable life of labor icon and New Mexico native Dolores Huerta. Dolores takes the stage starting Sunday, Oct. 26.
Read more...

Most Popular Services

State Museums and Historic Sites
Recreation • Department of Cultural Affairs
Visit the museums and historic sites all around New Mexico.
Learn More
Office of Archaeological Studies
Education,Recreation • Department of Cultural Affairs
The Office of Archaeological Studies conducts archaeological research projects throughout New Mexico with a diverse group of 40 - 50 archaeologists and support staff. Its mission is to identify, interpret, and share information about prehistoric and historic sites across the state.
Learn More
Historic Preservation Division
Education,Recreation • Department of Cultural Affairs
Preserving New Mexico's historic treasures has enormous impacts on the social and economic well-being of New Mexicans. It is the foundation of the state's vigorous heritage tourism industry and builds healthier local communities.
Learn More
New Mexico Arts
Education,Recreation • Department of Cultural Affairs
Its primary function is to provide financial support and technical assistance or arts services and programs to non-profit organizations statewide and to administer the 1% public art program for the state of New Mexico. Other programs include the Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts, New Mexico Arts and Cultural Districts, New Mexico Arts Trails, and Poetry Out Loud.
Learn More
New Mexico State Library
Education,Recreation • Department of Cultural Affairs
Since its beginnings more than 60 years ago, the State Library has been a leader in the development of New Mexico's public and tribal libraries, helping them to build the programs needed by their communities.
Learn More