Woman banging a large drum while man plays flute on stage.

Honors

On behalf of the American people, the federal government recognizes outstanding achievement in the arts through the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Fellowships; National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowships; and National Medal of Arts, a presidential award.

Honorific Awards

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NEA Jazz Masters Fellowships

Begun in 1982, the nation's highest honor in jazz.
a group of diverse people on a lit stage
National Heritage Fellowships

Begun in 1982, the nation's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts.
Slide with image of the National Medal of Arts
National Medal of Arts

Begun in 1985, the nation's highest award given to artists and arts patrons.

FEATURE

Watch the 2023 NEA Jazz Masters Tribute Concert at the Kennedy Center! Find more NEA Jazz Masters content, including video tributes and past concerts, on our YouTube channel at YouTube.com/NEAarts.
Watch the video!
Group of women playing stringed instruments on stage, the one on the left wearing a gold jacket.wearing a

2023 NEA Jazz Master Regina Carter performing with the String Queens at the Tribute Concert at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. Photo by Jati Lindsay