Woman banging a large drum while man plays flute on stage.

Honors

On behalf of the American people, the federal government recognizes outstanding achievement in the arts through the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Fellowships; National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowships; and National Medal of Arts, a presidential award.

Honorific Awards

NEA Jazz Masters Fellowships

Begun in 1982, the nation's highest honor in jazz.

National Heritage Fellowships

Begun in 1982, the nation's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts.

National Medal of Arts

Begun in 1985, the nation's highest award given to artists and arts patrons.