Manipur, the jeweled land, is a land of unique and rich cultural tradition, the legacy and value of which is still continued and practised to this day. The exquisiteness and aestheticism of its culture, which is long-familiar to the outside world, manifest in many of its artistic aspects including its dance and music, literary and visual arts, drama and folk tradition, rites and rituals etc. And to protect, preserve, promote and nurture these beautiful cultural heritages, the need to establish an institution of authority was always felt by the people of this land especially the revered gurus, artistes, scholars and cultural aficionados. Thus came the call for the establishment of a State Akademi on the patterned of the three National Akademies – Sangeet Natak, Sahitya and Lalit Kala Akademies. 

As a result of persistent and coordinated efforts between the Manipur State Akademi Demand Committee headed by Late Guru Padmashri Maisnam Amubi Singh and the Government of India, the long cherished dream of establishing a State Akademi became a reality when Manipur State Kala Akademi was formally inaugurated on January 10, 1972, in the presence of Shri D. R. Kohli the then Lt. Governor of Manipur. Designed as a composite version of the three national akademies (Sangeet Natak Akademi, Sahitya Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi), Manipur State Kala Akademi functions as an autonomous body under the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur.