Blanket Justification for Arts Endowment Funding Application Guidelines and Requirements for Individuals

National Medal of Arts: Nomination Instructions & Frequently Asked Questions
This nomination process is for the 2026 National Medals of the Arts. National Medals of the
Arts nominees for 2025 are under consideration by the White House.
What is the deadline for submissions?
October 3, 2026.
How do I submit a nomination?
Please complete the online nomination form. Because of difficulties with receipt of mail, the
Arts Endowment will no longer receive nominations by mail.
Who is eligible to receive the National Medal of Arts?
Any U.S. citizen or group who, in the president's 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." [U.S.C. Sec. 955b (b) (1)]
Nominees must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have filed for naturalization and
who are not ineligible to become U.S. citizens. Nominated organizations must be established or
incorporated in the United States. The National Council on the Arts will only consider living
candidates and organizations.
Can I submit more than one nomination?
Yes, but you must complete separate nomination forms for each nominee.
What information must I submit for my nomination?
In writing your nomination, please provide concrete examples of what the nominee has
accomplished that merits receiving the highest honor the U.S. Government awards to artists
and arts patrons. Career highlights, not comprehensive biographies, are requested. Provide
sources for the information where possible. This award is bestowed only to U.S. citizens who
have made exceptional contributions to the arts; the most competitive nominees will be
familiar to the reviewers. The purpose of your nomination is to remind the reviewers that your
nominee should be considered.
The information requested on the "For All Nominations" section is the most important; any
critical biographical material should be provided here. Please provide the source(s) of the
information. Brochures, books, or music samples will not be accepted.
Has my nominee already won this award?
You can search for previous winners by name and year. Individuals and groups may receive the
medal only once.
I'm not sure if my nominee is a U.S. citizen.
Your nominee must be a citizen or in the process of being naturalized in order to be considered
for the National Medal of Arts. You may be able to get this information through the nominee's
business contacts.
How does the nomination process work?
The National Council on the Arts reviews nominations and sends recommendations to the
president of the United States, who determines the honorees. The White House will schedule

the announcement and presentation ceremony. Nominations for 2025 are still under
consideration.
I nominated someone last year. Do I have to submit a new nomination form?
Yes. The nomination process is not automatically renewable.
I'd like to nominate someone posthumously.
Posthumous nominations are not accepted.
Will my nomination be acknowledged by the Arts Endowment?
Receipt of nominations will be acknowledged online.
Where do I mail my completed nomination?
We accept online nominations only.
What if I have additional questions?
Contact medals@arts.gov.
How do I learn who National Medal of Arts winners are?
As soon as the White House announces the winners, the names are posted on the Arts
Endowment's website.