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.

Created in 1978 by the New Mexico Legislature, the Department of Cultural Affairs represents New Mexico's dedication to preserving and celebrating the cultural integrity and diversity of our state.

The Department is an umbrella agency which oversees the Museum of New Mexico system (Palace of the Governors, New Mexico Museum of Art, Museum of International Folk Art, Museum of Indian Arts & Culture), New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque, New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces, National Hispanic Cultural Center, State Library, New Mexico Arts and Historic Preservation Division.

The Department is directed by the Secretary, who is appointed by the Governor. The agency has some 550 employees spread throughout its nine divisions, with another 1,000 or so volunteers putting in more than 70,000 hours annually. The annual budget is approximately $35 million.

Each year, more than $2 million goes directly to New Mexico's cultural activities -- individuals and organizations — in order to assist with funding arts and cultural programs. The Department's museums welcome more than a million visitors each year. More than three million New Mexico residents and their out-of-state guests are served yearly by Cultural Affairs.