The Social Activities Department of Novo mesto Urban Municipality is responsible for social and health care, education, sports and cultural activities, including cultural heritage preservation and amateur activities. The town is also home to several national institutions, including the Historical Archives Ljubljana: Dolenjska and Bela Krajina Unit, Novo mesto, the Institute for the Protection of the Natural Heritage and the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia, Novo Mesto. The Chapter Library and the Franciscan Archives and Library, Kamnik are of particular note. The Janez Trdina Cultural Centre, Novo mesto is one of the town's most active venues.

The local branches of the Union of Cultural Societies of Slovenia (ZKDS) and the Public Fund for Cultural Activities of the Republic of Slovenia (JSKD) facilitate the activities of local cultural organisations and act as mediators in respect of state and municipal funding.