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 2025 NEA Jazz Masters Tribute Concert, honoring Marshall Allen, Marilyn Crispell, Chucho Valdés, and recipient of the 2025 A.B. Spellman NEA Jazz Masters Award for Jazz Advocacy, Gary Giddins.
Watch the concert on demand!
Three men and a woman smile and walk single-file onstage while musicians play behind them.

2025 NEA Jazz Masters. Photo by Jati Lindsay