The Directorate for Cultural Heritage is responsible for governance tasks in the field of cultural heritage and monitors the development of the complex system of the protection of cultural heritage. It prepares system solutions, runs the register and works on the development of information systems and documentation of cultural heritage. The Directorate provides guidelines and regulations, follows local and European legislation in the field and co-operates with local and international governmental and non-governmental professional organisations, associations and individuals. It works together with other ministries and international bodies on international projects. It prepares proposals for the government, Parliament, the European Commission and the European Council. It prepares and co-ordinates developmental projects, criteria for the co-financing of cultural programmes and projects and reviews. It prepares annual or long-term plans for the co-financing of cultural programmes and projects, including the financing stages. The Directorate covers European cultural programmes and monitors projects financed through the European structural funds. It co-operates on the projects and aspects of regionalisation and monitors their effects. The Directorate evaluates the legal and economic aspects of public funding expenditure in the arts field. It assists in shaping common databases and communicates with the public according to regulations. Special tasks of the Directorate include shaping the policy and strategy of cultural heritage protection and preserving and developing cultural variety of Slovenia. The Directorate aims to link heritage with education and also economic development as a permanent developmental factor and a catalyser in improving the quality of life. The Directorate implements international regulations related to the protection of the cultural heritage. It is responsible for cultural monuments designated as a state property and issues permissions for the export of cultural heritage objects. The Directorate sets professional standards for educational programmes in the field and looks after public access to cultural heritage as well as access to complex information on cultural heritage.

The Directorate runs the INDOK Heritage Centre and Library, an information and documentation centre for heritage: