The National Medal of Arts was established by Congress in 1984 and is awarded by the President to those who have made extraordinary contributions to the creation, growth, and support of the arts in the United States. The National Humanities Medal, first awarded in 1989 as the Charles Frankel Prize, honors individuals and organizations whose work has deepened the nation's understanding of the humanities, broadened citizens' engagement with the humanities, or helped preserve and expand America's access to important humanities resources. Both awards are the highest recognition the U. S. bestows on its artists and scholars.

The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) and its Chairman co-host the arts and humanities medals ceremonies at the White House and provide private financial support for these Presidential honors.

For a complete list of recepients of the National Medal of Arts, click here and for National Humanities Medal recipients, click here.