Philip Glass
The National Medal of Arts, awarded by the President of the United States to individuals or groups who are deserving of special recognition will be presented on Thursday, September 22, at the White House. Among this year’s recipients is composer Philip Glass « for his groundbreaking contributions to music and composition. One of the most prolific, inventive, and influential artists of our time, he has expanded musical possibility with his operas, symphonies, film scores, and wide-ranging collaborations. »
The National Medal of Arts is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the federal government. The nomination process is managed by the National Endowment for the Arts. The National Council on the Arts, the NEA’s presidentially appointed and Senate-confirmed advisory body, reviews the nominations and provides recommendations to the President, who selects the recipients.
Established by Congress in 1965, the NEA is the independent federal agency whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities.
