National Medal of Arts

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The National Medal of Arts is an award and title bestowed on selected honorees by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).[1] Ceremoniously given by the President of the United States, it is the highest honor given to an individual artist by the national government on behalf of the people. The award is not restricted to a particular art. The medal was designed for the NEA by sculptor Robert Graham.

The National Medal of Arts was established by Congress in 1984, upon the recommendation of President Ronald Reagan and the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities for the purpose of honoring artists and patrons of the arts.

[edit] Controversy

In 1997, poet Adrienne Rich refused her award as a protest against “inconsistencies” between art and “the cynical politics” of the Clinton White House administration.[2]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ National Endowment for the Arts Official Website
  2. ^ Adrienne Rich's letter to The National Endowment for the Arts
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