Adele Bauman is the agency's director,[2] while Sarah Stewart is commissioner of the parent agency, the New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR).

[3] The main office of the agency is located in Concord.

[4][5] The council is authorized via RSA 19-A, "to insure that the role of the arts in the life of our communities will continue to grow and will play an ever more significant part in the welfare and educational experience of our citizens.

"[6] The mission of the council is "to promote the arts to protect and enrich New Hampshire's unique quality of life.

[8] The three main goals of the agency are:[1]: 5–6 The council awards grants to "serve as a public investment in communities throughout the state.