NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has been honored with the National Medal of Arts, the highest award given to artists and arts institutions by the United States government. President Joe Biden presented the medal during a ceremony held at the White House on October 22, 2024. The award, established by Congress in 1984, recognizes individuals and groups for their outstanding contributions to the arts in America.
The ceremony highlighted 20 recipients from the past two years, with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum being the sole institution among them. Kyle Young, the museum’s chief executive officer, accepted the award. Young, who has been with the museum for over 45 years, expressed that the recognition validates the museum’s commitment to preserving country music’s cultural significance.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is renowned for its extensive collection of country music artifacts and its educational programs. Established in 1964, the nonprofit museum aims to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of country music. In 2023, it welcomed over 1.6 million visitors and offered more than 1,200 educational programs. The museum also includes the Taylor Swift Education Center, the CMA Theater, and the Ford Theater, which host various cultural events.
The museum’s collections and programs are supported by the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission and the Tennessee Arts Commission. It also operates several other facilities, including Historic RCA Studio B, Haley Art Gallery, and Hatch Show Print. More information about the museum can be found on their website.
The National Medal of Arts is awarded by the President, following nominations managed by the National Endowment for the Arts. The National Council on the Arts reviews nominations and provides recommendations to the President. More details about the award and a list of past recipients are available on the NEA website.
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New Inductees for Music City Walk of Fame
The Music City Walk of Fame will induct new members on October 30, 2024, honoring Jimmy Buffett, The Fairfield Four, Colin Reed, and Bill Cody for their contributions to Nashville’s musical legacy. Although Luke Combs was initially set to be inducted, he will not participate due to a scheduling conflict. The ceremony, open to the public, is part of an initiative to celebrate Nashville as a premier music destination. For more details, visit www.visitmusiccity.com.