The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (also known as Cultural Academy) is a Government-supported organization dedicated to the promotion of regional languages, art and culture including theatre.
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The Academy was set up by the Government of Jammu & Kashmir by proviso to Section 146 of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, in the year 1958. It was declared an autonomous corporate body. As there is no Directorate of Culture in the State, the Academy is at times called upon by the Government to perform functions which elsewhere may be carried out by such a body.
Jurisdiction
The jurisdiction of the Academy covers the entire State. It is the nodal agency in the matters of interaction and co-operation between the Jammu and Kashmir State and the Central and other State Academies. It combines in itself the functions of:
- Sahitya Akademi (Academy of Letters)
- Sangeet Natak Akademi (Academy of Music, Dance & Drama)
- Lalit Kala Akademi (Academy of Arts)
The following languages are supported: Kashmiri, Dogri, English, Gojri, Hindi, Pahari, Ladakhi, Balti, Shina language, Urdu, Punjabi and Arabic.
Location and management
The Academy has many offices across the states. The main offices are at Canal Road, Jammu (opposite the science college) and Lal Mandi, Srinagar.
The Jammu office is headed by the Chief Minister of the State.