The National Council for Culture and the Arts (Conaculta) was created to coordinate cultural and artistic policies, organizations, and agencies. Likewise, it is dedicated to promoting, supporting, and sponsoring events that foster culture and the arts.

The immediate forerunner of Conaculta was the Assistant Secretary’s Office at the Ministry of Pulic Education; however, it became independent by presidential decree in 1988, annexing all institutions, departments and agencies from other ministries with mandates of a cultural nature.

The reasons for its foundation include Conaculta’s role in stimulating and encouraging both artistic and cultural creation, while at the same time guaranteeing full creative freedom. In the same vein, it was acknowledged that Conaculta must foster the artistic expression of social groups from different regions across the country in order to promote, preserve, and enrich the historic, artistic, and cultural elements that form part of Mexico’s heritage.

Consuelo Sáizar

December 7, 1988

Conaculta is the institution in charge of wholly preserving Mexico’s cultural heritage in all its artistic and cultural manifestations, while at the same time stimulating programs oriented toward the creation, development, and enjoyment of the same.

Conaculta’s actions are geared toward sustaining a professional commitment, benefiting all of Mexican society through the promotion and dissemination of the artistic and cultural sector.

To become the most relevant national institution in the cultural and artistic sector. To stimulate artistic and cultural creation while guaranteeing full creative freedom. This, in acknowledgement of the fact that it is the duty of the State to promote and disseminate national identity and heritage.

To elevate the presence of Mexican art and culture through projects, exhibitions, cultural events, and cinematography.