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

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NEA Jazz Masters Fellowships

Begun in 1982, the nation's highest honor in jazz.
a group of diverse people on a lit stage
National Heritage Fellowships

Begun in 1982, the nation's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts.
Slide with image of the National Medal of Arts
National Medal of Arts

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

FEATURE

On September 17, 2024, the NEA premiered short documentary films about the 2024 NEA National Heritage Fellows, followed by conversations with the honorees. Together, these films and conversations share the story of our heritage in an engaging and meaningful way.
Watch the video!
National Endowment for the Arts 2024 National Heritage Fellows

Left-right (top): Bril Barrett, Photo by Maia Rosenfield; Fabian Debora, Photo by Eddie Ruvalcaba; Rosie Flores, Photo credit Leslie Campbell; Trimble Gilbert (Gwich'in), Photo credit Photo credit Alex Troutman of Channel Films; Todd Goings, Photo credit Kyle C. Goings for Carousel and Carvings, Inc. (bottom): Susan Hudson (Navajo/Diné), Photo courtesy of the artist; Pat Johnson, Photo by Lauren Adams Willette; June Kuramoto, Photo credit Jamie Itagaki; Sochietah Ung, Photo by Pat Jarrett Virginia Folklife Program; Zuni Olla Maidens, Photo courtesy NCTA Archives