National Medal of Arts

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The National Medal of Arts is an award and title created by the United States Congress in 1984, for the purpose of honoring artists and patrons of the arts. The award is presented by the President of the United States and is the highest honor given to artists and arts patrons by the federal government.

History

The National Medal of Arts was established by the United States Congress in 1984. The first awards were given in 1985. The medal was designed by Robert Graham.

Criteria

The National Medal of Arts is awarded to individuals or groups who are deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth, support, and availability of the arts in the United States. The award can be given to artists, art educators, arts patrons, and organizations.

Selection Process

Recipients of the National Medal of Arts are selected by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The NEA solicits nominations from the public and convenes a committee of experts to review the nominations and make recommendations to the President.

Notable Recipients

Some notable recipients of the National Medal of Arts include:

• Maya Angelou
• Tony Bennett
• Rita Moreno
• George Balanchine
• John Williams

Presentation

The National Medal of Arts is presented by the President of the United States in a ceremony at the White House. The medal itself is a gold disc with a design that includes the inscription "National Medal of Arts" and the name of the recipient.

Related Pages

• National Endowment for the Arts
• Presidential Medal of Freedom
• Kennedy Center Honors
• National Humanities Medal

See Also

• List of National Medal of Arts Recipients
• Arts in the United States
• Cultural policy of the United States