National Heritage Fellowships | National Endowment for the Arts

The NEA National Heritage Fellowships is the nation's highest honor in folk and traditional arts. Each year since 1982, the program recognizes recipients' artistic excellence, lifetime achievement, and contributions to our nation's traditional arts heritage. See below for information on how to submit a nomination.

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The Story of Our Heritage: 2025 NEA National Heritage Fellows Tribute Videos

From vibrant folklórico dresses and engraved silver spurs to rhythmic drums and resonant banduras, discover the extraordinary artists and tradition bearers shaping America’s cultural landscape. These beautifully crafted vignettes take viewers on a journey into the lives and communities of the seven 2025 NEA National Heritage Fellows, recipients of the nation's highest honor in folk and traditional arts.

Playlist of 2025 Tribute Videos

Nominate a National Heritage Fellow!

The National Endowment for the Arts encourages nominations of master folk and traditional artists to recognize artistic excellence, lifetime achievement, and contributions to our nation's traditional arts heritage.

Make a Nomination

Mexican Folk Costume Maker and Dancer

Peniel Guerrier

Haitian Dancer, Drummer, and Educator

Adrienne Reiko Iwanaga

Bon Odori Dancer, Teacher, Choreographer

Bit & Spur Maker and Silversmith

Edward Poullard

Creole Musician

Steve Tamayo (Sicangu Lakota)

Traditional Lakota Artist and Educator

Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America

Men's Choral and Bandura Ensemble

Looking Back

Access the full archive of National Heritage Fellowships tribute videos, award ceremonies, and concerts

2025 Film | 2024 Film | 2023 Film | 2022 Film | 2021 Film | 2020 Film | 2019 Concert
Photo Gallery

Photo of an Asian woman smiling next to a koto instrument

Koto Musician and 2024 NEA National Heritage Fellow

Man playing a clarinete.

Revisiting Andy Statman

Klezmer Clarinetist, Mandolin Player, Composer, 2012 National Heritage Fellow

A man surrounded by carousel and carvings.

Carousel Carver, Restorationist, and 2024 National Heritage Fellow

National Endowment for the Arts Statement on the Death of National Heritage Fellow Nalani Kanaka'ole

ALT tag: A collage of colorful photos showing seven individuals with text reading 2025 National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellows. At the upper right corner, there is a National Heritage Fellowship medallion with a red, blue, and yellow ribbon

NEA National Heritage Fellowships Ceremony Will Honor Folk and Traditional Artists

A man in a Southwestern blue printed shirt sits outside holding a gold-colored button accordion on his lap.

National Endowment for the Arts Statement on the Death of National Heritage Fellow Leonardo "Flaco" Jimenez