Slide with image of the National Medal of Arts

National Medal of Arts

The National Medal of Arts is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the United States government. The National Medal of Arts is awarded by the President of the United States 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."

 

2021 National Medal of Arts

2021

Judith Francisca Baca

Visual Artist
2021

The Billie Holiday Theatre

Performing Arts Theater
2021

Fred Eychaner

Arts Philanthropist
2021

Jose Feliciano

Singer, Songwriter
2021

Mindy Kaling

Writer, Actor, Director
2021

Gladys Knight

Singer, Songwriter
2021

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Actor, Producer
2021

Antonio Martorell-Cardona

Visual Artist, Writer
2021

Joan Shigekawa

Arts Leader
2021

Bruce Springsteen

Singer, Songwriter
2021

Vera Wang

Fashion Designer

Nominate an Individual or Organization for a National Medal of Arts

The National Medal of Arts is the highest award given to artists, arts patrons, and arts organizations by the United States government.
Make a Nomination

Recent National Medal of Arts Podcasts

Sonny Rollins

1983 NEA Jazz Master and 2010 National Medal of Arts recipient

Julia Alvarez

NEA Literature Fellow, Big Read author, 2013 National Medal of Arts recipient

Renée Fleming

Opera Singer and 2012 National Medal of Arts Recipient