In 2013, Melbarde became Minister for culture of the Republic of Latvia she held this position till 2019 when she was elected as a Member of the European Parliament.

In 2002, awarded by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia for the Achievements in Building of the Latvian State.

Received award by the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Latvia for the Contribution to Organising the Latvian School Children and Youth Song and Dance Celebration in 2005.

Following the resignation of Žaneta Jaunzeme-Grendein October 2013, Melbarde was confirmed as a non-party representative of the Latvian Minister for Culture in the government of Valdis Dombrovskis.

In total Melbarde has worked as Minister for Culture in five governments: She joined the political party National Alliance in February 2014.