Raleigh Arts has opened nominations for the 2026 Raleigh Medal of Arts Awards, starting February 4. Established in 1984, the awards recognize outstanding contributions to the city’s arts and culture, with 183 medals having been presented to date.
Raleigh Arts is inviting the public to nominate individuals, organizations, or collaborative projects for the 2026 Raleigh Medal of Arts Awards. Self-nominations are also accepted. All submissions must be made online by 5 p.m. EST on March 30, according to the City of Raleigh.
Eligibility for the Raleigh Medal of Arts includes individuals, organizations, projects, or collaborations with a strong connection to Raleigh or Wake County. Candidates should have notable recognition in their field and a demonstrated record of contributions to the local arts community.
Raleigh Arts will host a virtual webinar on February 19, at 12:30 p.m. to provide guidance on the nomination process for the Raleigh Medal of Arts Awards. Musician, writer, and editor Rita Lewis will review submission guidelines, the timeline, and evaluation process. Interested participants can register through the official webinar registration page.
The Raleigh Medal of Arts, inspired by the National Medal of Arts, has been the city's apex recognition for visionary contributions to the local arts scene for over four decades. In celebrating artistic brilliance and innovative support, the Raleigh Arts Commission aims to maintain the city's fervent commitment to nurturing a vibrant cultural environment.
