National Medal of Arts

The National Medal of Arts is an award and title bestowed on selected honorees by the National Endowment for the Arts. 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.

Related Topics:
National Endowment for the Arts - President of the United States - National government

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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. The Congress authorized the President to award no more than 12 medals each year.

Related Topics:
1984 - Ronald Reagan

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Traditionally twelve medals are awarded each year, but in 1997 only eleven were awarded, as poet Adrienne Rich refused the medal because of "the cynical politics of the Clinton administration."

Related Topics:
1997 - Poet - Adrienne Rich - Clinton administration

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