The main objectives of Manipur State Kala Akademi are:
- To promote research in the fields of music, dance, drama, literature and fine arts. The Akademi has a Library and an Archive & Museum unit for this purpose.
- To foster cultural contacts between the different communities of the State and other parts of India.
- To organise and sponsor festivals, seminars, conferences, workshops, exhibitions etc. on performing arts, literature and fine arts.
- To encourage exchange of ideas and enrichment of techniques between regions with regard to the art of music, dance, drama, literature and fine arts.
- To revive and preserve folk music, folk dance and folk drama in different regions of Manipur and to encourage the development of community and other forms of music.
- To publish books and journals on art and culture including reference works.
- To encourage, give due recognition and assist cultural organisations of the State in the field of music, dance, drama, literature and fine arts.
- To co-operate with similar institutions for furtherance of its objectives and for enrichment of Manipuri Culture in particular and Indian culture in general.
- To award scholarship and fellowship to deserving students and researchers of performing arts, literature and visual arts with the objective of promoting and fostering research in these fields.
- To award pension to artistes, writers, scholars etc. who have contributed in their respective field and are in indigent circumstances.
- To honour individuals who have made outstanding contribution in the field of Manipuri culture by conferring awards.