Special EventsSpecial Events

The National Medal of Arts is one of many PCAH supported activities designed to honor the role of artists and their contributions to our nation. Photo by Tony Brown
The National Medal of Arts is one of many PCAH supported activities designed to honor the role of artists and their contributions to our nation. Photo by Tony Brown
The PCAH hosted the National Medal of Arts winners at the National Museum of American History. Photo by Tony Brown
The PCAH hosted the National Medal of Arts winners at the National Museum of American History. Photo by Tony Brown
Damian Woetzel, PCAH member and former New York City Ballet dancer, conducted a series of dance workshops as part of the White House tribute to Judith Jamison. 
Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson
Damian Woetzel, PCAH member and former New York City Ballet dancer, conducted a series of dance workshops as part of the White House tribute to Judith Jamison. Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson

The flexibility of the President’s Committee to develop special projects and initiatives allows it to partner with and bolster the programs of the White House and its primary cultural partners. Through this unique role, PCAH has supported activities that recognize distinguished artists and scholars, broaden arts awareness and access, and celebrate our nation's creative genius and ideas. Among some of the highlights of this President’s Committee are the following:

White House Events

The President’s Committee and its members work closely with the White House to create cultural programs and add value to White House events or activities. These events range from showcasing the talent of American artists to engaging young people through the arts and humanities.

National Medals

The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) and its Chairman co-host the arts and humanities medals ceremonies at the White House and provide private financial support for these Presidential honors.

National Medal of Arts

The National Medal of Arts was established by Congress in 1984 and is awarded by the President to those who have made extraordinary contributions to the creation, growth, and support of the arts in the United States. Learn more...

Complete list of recepients of the National Medal of Arts.

National Humanities Medals

The National Humanities Medal, first awarded in 1989 as the Charles Frankel Prize, honors individuals and organizations whose work has deepened the nation's understanding of the humanities, broadened citizens' engagement with the humanities, or helped preserve and expand America's access to important humanities resources. Both awards are the highest recognition the U. S. bestows on its artists and scholars. Learn more...

Complete list of National Humanities Medal recipients.