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The National Medal of Arts is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the United States Government. The National Medal of Arts is awarded by the President of the United States to individuals or groups who "...are deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth, support and availability of the arts in the United States." |
During the past 27 years, nearly 300 extraordinary
patrons and artists in the fields of visual, performing, and literary arts
have been honored. With this medal, the President recognizes the wealth
and depth of creative expression of America's artists. Hundreds of nominations are submitted by citizens across the country for
consideration by the National Council on the Arts every year.
This lifetime achievement award recognizes the extraordinary
accomplishments of individuals engaged in the creation and production
of the arts in the United States. The arts encompass arts education, crafts, dance, drawing, film, graphic/product design, interior design, landscape architecture, literature, classical and popular music, painting, patrons/advocates, photography, presenting, printmaking, sculpture, theater, and urban design.
[Click on photos for high res images]
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![Submit a nomination for 2012](images/nominbox.jpg)
The 2012 Medalists have not yet been announced. |
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![](images2011/WillBarnet.jpg) |
2011 National Medal of Arts recipient and painter/printmaker Will Barnet receives his medal from President Barack Obama at an East Room ceremony at the White House on February 13, 2012. Photo by Anthony Brown, Imijination Photography. |
![](images2011/RitaDove.jpg) |
2011 National Medal of Arts recipient and poet/author Rita Dove receives her medal from President Barack Obama at an East Room ceremony at the White House on February 13, 2012. Photo by Anthony Brown, Imijination Photography. |
![Al Pacino](images2011/AlPacino.jpg) |
2011 National Medal of Arts recipient and actor Al Pacino receives his medal from President Barack Obama at an East Room ceremony at the White House on February 13, 2012. Photo by Anthony Brown, Imijination Photography. |
![](images2011/EmilyRau.jpg) |
2011 National Medal of Arts recipient and contemporary arts patron and philanthropist Emily Rauh Pulitzer receives her medal from President Barack Obama at an East Room ceremony at the White House on February 13, 2012. Photo by Anthony Brown, Imijination Photography. |
![](images2011/MartinPuryear.jpg) |
2011 National Medal of Arts recipient and contemporary sculptor Martin Puryear receives his medal from President Barack Obama at an East Room ceremony at the White House on February 13, 2012. Photo by Anthony Brown, Imijination Photography. |
![](images2011/MelTillis.jpg) |
2011 National Medal of Arts recipient and singer/songwriter Mel Tillis receives his medal from President Barack Obama at an East Room ceremony at the White House on February 13, 2012. Photo by Anthony Brown, Imijination Photography. |
![](images2011/SloanGibson.jpg) |
Sloan Gibson, USO President and CEO accepts the 2011 National Medal of Arts on behalf of USO (United Service Organizations). Photo by Anthony Brown, Imijination Photography. |
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Note: 2011 National Medal of Arts recipient and classical pianist André Watts was not able to attend the ceremony. |
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