The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) was established in 1987 as an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, as a centre for research, academic pursuit and dissemination in the field of the arts. The Arts' encompass a wide range of subjects - from archaeology and anthropology to the visual and performing arts, enveloping them in a complementary and non-demarcated vision. In its functioning, the IGNCA has met its mandate and continues to work in this direction.

The IGNCA has six functional units – Kala Nidhi, the multi-form library; Kala Kosa, devoted mainly to the study and publication of fundamental texts in Indian languages; Janapada Sampada, engaged in lifestyle studies; Kaladarsana, the executive unit which transforms researches and studies emanating from the IGNCA into visible forms through exhibitions; Cultural Informatics Lab, which applies technology tools for cultural preservation and propagation; and Sutradhara, the administrative section that acts as a spine supporting and coordinating all the activities. The Member Secretary is the Executive head of both academic and administrative divisions. The IGNCA has a trust (Board of Trustees), which meets regularly to give general direction about the Centre's work. The Executive Committee, drawn from among the Trustees, functions under a Chairman. The Committee acts as a link between the Trust and the IGNCA.

The IGNCA has three Regional Centres in India 

• The IGNCA has a Southern Regional Centre (SRC) headquartered in Bangaluru. Its establishment in 2001 was aimed at intensifying the Centre’s studies on the southern region’s art and cultural heritage. know more ...

• The Centre's office in Varanasi is an extension of the kalakosa Division. This office gives academic input and support of Indological and Sanskrit studies of Kalakosa. know more ...

• The field centre of the IGNCA for the North East is based in Guwahati. Its main task is to collaborate in programmes relating to the culture-rich communities in the north eastern region. know more ....