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, in his judgment, "...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 21 years, more than 200 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. Annually a vast number of nominations are submitted from citizens across the country for consideration by the National Council on the Arts. Nominations for the 2006 National Medal of Arts are received online until March 15, 2006.

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, urban design.

2005 Medalists Leonard Garment and Tina Ramirez with NEA Chairman Dana Gioia. Photo by Victoria Hutter.		President George W. Bush with 2005 Medalist James DePreist in the Oval Office. White House photo by Eric Draper.

National Endowment for the Arts · an independent federal agency
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20506