National Medal of Arts

The National Medal of Arts is a United States award honoring outstanding contributions to the arts. The president presents it to artists and arts patrons selected by the National Endowment for the Arts.

National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act: A 1965 United States law that established the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The 1984 law amending it authorized the National Medal of Arts.
National Council on the Arts: A presidentially appointed advisory body that advises the National Endowment for the Arts. Its members help shape recommendations for medal recipients.
Maya Angelou: An American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist known for works including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Her 2000 medal recognized a career spanning literature and public life.
National Medal of Arts medal design: The physical medal designed for the National Medal of Arts, bearing a profile of the human form. Its imagery expresses the award’s focus on artistic creation.
Public funding of the arts: Government support for artistic creation, institutions, and access to cultural activity. The medal sits within a wider federal commitment to arts and cultural life.
National Endowment for the Arts: An independent United States federal agency that supports artistic excellence and access to the arts. The agency administers the medal and recommends honorees to the president.
National Endowment for the Arts fellowship: A competitive grant supporting an individual artist’s creative work through the National Endowment for the Arts. Unlike a fellowship, the medal recognizes an established body of contribution.
Aretha Franklin: An American singer known as the Queen of Soul and for songs including “Respect.” Her 1999 medal recognized her lasting contribution to American music.
1997 National Medal of Arts: The 1997 presentation of the National Medal of Arts to artists and arts patrons. The ceremony included recipients from a wide range of artistic fields.
Arts advocacy: Organized efforts to influence public policy and funding in support of the arts. The award makes federal recognition of arts contributions visible.

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