The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) funds and supports U.S. artists through partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies. The NEA celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of the United States and works to promote equal access to the arts in all communities.
The NEA National Heritage Fellowships were created to recognize artists who cultivate a public appreciation for traditional art forms through their own exceptional artistry. Honorees are nominated by individuals and are recommended each year by a rotating panel of specialists representing a variety of forms of cultural expertise. When awarded, recipients receive a monetary stipend to support their work.