The Ministry was created by an enabling law of Kaduna State of Nigeria Gazette No. 4 Vol. 37 of September 4th 2003 bringing together the defunct Council for Arts and Culture and the Tourism Board. The Ministry has its headquarters at No.30 Muhammadu Buhari Way, Kaduna.

The general guidelines of the functions of the Ministry are to harness the abundant Tourism and Cultural Potentials of the State and promote same as an alternative revenue earner and for provision of employment opportunities for our citizens. In addition to such other responsibilities as may be assigned to it by the Governor from time to time, the Ministry shall:

(a) Organize, hold or assist financially or otherwise the holding of Exhibitions, performances of Festivals of Arts, Culture and Tourism or       any of them, and admit the public thereto either with or without charge;
(b) Organize and undertake the functions of Cultural Centers for the State.
(c) Lay down the rules under which Competition in Arts, Culture and Tourism shall be held and award prizes for same;
(d) Award bursaries or scholarships in relation to Arts, Culture and Tourism;
(e) Organize or conduct lectures or demonstrations or to provide instructions in relation to Arts, Culture and Tourism;
(f) Publish or sponsor the publications of any Literature or periodicals in relation to Arts, Culture and Tourism;
(g) Co-operate with any other body or persons engaged in or connected with Arts, Culture and Tourism in Nigeria;
(h) Acquire, purchase, liaise, mortgage, hold, construct or maintain any property whatsoever, investment or otherwise required for or in       connection with the performance of its functions;
(i) Enter into such contracts as may be necessary, advantageous or expedient for the performance of it’s functions;
(j) Accept, hold, and administer any subscription gifts or property for purposes connected with Arts, Culture and Tourism;
(k) Carry on all activities the undertaking of which appears to the Ministry to be necessary, advantageous or expedient for the       performance of it’s functions; and

IN RELATION TO TOURISM, THE FUNCTION OF THE MINISTRY SHALL BE TO:
(a) Encourage the provision and improvement of Tourism amenities and facilities in the state;
(b) Provide Advisory services and information on Tourism;
(c) Assist the Federal and State Governments in the creation of:

i) A sub-system of National Parks including National areas, historical sites and Recreational areas which are declared by    the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation to be of National importance and acclaim;
ii) A system of State Parks which are duly approved and declared as such by the Executive Governor;
iii) Games and Fish Reserves and wild life refuges;
iv) Lakes for swimming, fishing and water contact activities;
v) Natural scenic areas;
vi) Holiday Resorts and Amusement Parks;
vii) Souvenir Industries;
viii) Monuments, Ethnic Museums and commemorative plaques and;

(d) carry out undertakings which appear to the Ministry to be necessary for the promotion and development of Arts, Culture and Tourism      industry in the State and to do such other things as are incidental to or conducive to the exercise of the functions of the Ministry;
(e) register, classify and grade all Hospitality and Tourism enterprises, travel agencies and tour operators in such manners as may be       prescribed;
(f) Identify and designate Centres of attraction for tourism purposes within their areas in collaboration with the State Government and      private sector in the physical planning and promotion of such centres;
(g) Promotion of favourable environment for foreigners and non-residents to visit the centres;
(h) Establishment of effective organs for the planning, development, promotion and marketing of Tourism in and outside their areas;
(i) To unfold to both indigenous entrepreneurs and foreign investors the immense potentials in the culture and tourism industry of the      state;
(j) To portray and promote the local Culture as a major Tourist attraction;
(k) To offer unique opportunities to Nigeria manufacturers and traditional craftsmen to demonstrate their skill and ability to produce       various Tourism and Hotel inputs, especially with respect to Hotel furniture; furnishing fabrics and textiles for various uses, ceramics       and earthen wares, artworks, carvings, pottery, souvenirs and interior decoration;
(l) Similarly, to encourage the local designers and builders to demonstrate their ability to indigenize their architecture, interior decoration      and furnishing.