Nomination Instructions & Frequently Asked Questions

How do I submit a nomination?
Please complete the nomination form (which asks for a one page biography of the nominee's accomplishments) by March 17, 2009. Because of difficulties with receipt of mail, the Endowment will no longer receive nominations by mail.

Who is eligible to receive the National Medal of Arts?
Any U.S. citizen or group who, in the President's judgment, "...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." [U.S.C. Sec. 955b (b) (1)].

Nominees must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have filed for naturalization and who are not ineligible to become U.S. citizens. Nominated organizations must be established or incorporated in the United States. The National Council on the Arts will only consider living candidates and organizations.

Can I submit more than one nomination?
Yes, but you must complete separate nomination forms for each nominee.

The Fisk Jubilee Singers, 2008 National Medal of Arts recipients, performed at the awards ceremony in the White House.

Where do I find detailed information about my nominee?
If you do not personally know the nominee (or wish to keep your nomination a surprise), you may find information at your local library in the reference section. Who's Who in America and other biographic reference books are often good sources of information. Internet searches may also turn up good material. Ask your librarian for other suggestions.

What information must I submit for my nomination?
In writing your nomination, please provide concrete examples of what the nominee has accomplished that merits receiving the highest award the U.S. Government gives to artists and arts patrons. Career highlights, not comprehensive biographies, are requested. Provide the source of the information if possible. This award is bestowed only to U.S. citizens who have made exceptional contributions to the arts so the most competitive nominees will be familiar to the reviewers. The purpose of your nomination is to remind the reviewers that your nominee should be considered.

The information requested on the "For All Nominations" section is the most important; any critical biographical material must be provided here. Please provide the source(s) of the information. Brochures, books, or music samples will not be accepted.

Has my nominee ever won this award before?
Please check the lists of previous winners on the web site. For your convenience, the web site provides lists in both chronological and alphabetical order. Individuals and groups may receive the medal only once.

I'm not sure if my nominee is a U.S. citizen.
Your nominee must be a citizen or in the process of being naturalized. You may be able to get this information through the nominee's business contacts.

How does the nomination process work?
Nominations are accepted until the deadline of March 17, 2009. The National Council on the Arts will review nominations and send its recommendations to the President of the United States, who determines the honorees. The White House will schedule the announcement and presentation ceremony. Typically, announcements are made in the Fall.

I nominated someone last year. Do I have to submit a new nomination form?
Yes. The nomination process is not automatically renewable.

I'd like to nominate someone posthumously.
Posthumous nominations are not accepted.

Will my nomination be acknowledged by the Arts Endowment?
Receipt of nominations will be acknowledged online.

Where do I mail my completed nomination?
Because of difficulty with mail in and out of federal agencies, we do not accept nominations by mail. We will accept nominations only online.

What if I have additional questions?
Contact the NEA's Office of Government Affairs at 202/682-5434.

How do I learn who the 2009 National Medal of Arts winners are?
As soon as the White House announces the winners, the names will be posted on the Endowment's web site.

National Endowment for the Arts · an independent federal agency
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20506