Formerly known as the Royal Academy of Performing Arts (RAPA), the Traditional Performing Arts and Music Division was formally established under the command of His Majesty the Third Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in 1954 with ultimate objectives to preserve and promote the traditional performing arts (folk songs, music and mask dances). Since then, the RAPA has been playing a pivotal role in safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage (ICH). The RAPA faculty offers National Certificate and Diploma courses in traditional performing arts. The electives courses offered are Cham (mask dance), traditional folk songs and traditional music. The academy actively participates in national celebration & international cultural exchange events.