The State Agency of Intangible Cultural Heritage is a government institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture. The aim of the Agency’s activities is to implement national policies in the field of intangible cultural heritage and in the associated fields of amateur arts.

The Agency has the following functions:

1. to preserve and develop the intangible cultural heritage;

2. to ensure continuity in the process of amateur arts;

 3. to ensure the processes of the Latvian Nationwide Song and Dance Celebration.

To ensure fulfilment of the functions, the Agency:

• promotes the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, its accessibility and popularisation;

• organises the Latvian Nationwide Song and Dance Celebration and ensures co-ordination of its preparation on a national level;

• according to its competence performs methodical work and education, implements methodical management, ensures the improvement of craftsmanship;

• provides services and collaborates with national and local government institutions, research institutions, educational establishments, non-governmental organisations, as well as individuals in the field of intangible cultural heritage and its associated fields of amateur arts;

• participates in the development and implementation of nationally significant and international co-operation programmes and projects in the field of intangible cultural heritage and its associated fields of amateur arts;

• collects, analyses and provides information regarding processes in the field of intangible cultural heritage and its associated fields of amateur arts;

• co-ordinates the implementation of nationally significant celebrations, festivals, competitions, exhibitions and other events in the field of intangible cultural heritage and its associated fields of amateur arts.