North Carolina Heritage Awards

The North Carolina Heritage Awards, established in 1989, recognize and celebrate the state’s most outstanding traditional artists. Sponsored by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the awards honor individuals and groups who exemplify excellence in traditional arts rooted in their communities. These awards are among the most prestigious state-level honors in the U.S. for traditional artists. Over 140 recipients have been recognized since inception, with many achieving national and international recognition, including honors from the National Endowment for the Arts. The awards are presented biennially, with the most recent ceremony held in spring 2025. During that cycle, five artist groups were honored at a public event in downtown Raleigh and received a cash award. The awards are open to a wide array of traditional artists, including those engaged in musical genres such as gospel, blues, and balladry; storytelling; and traditional crafts such as pottery, blacksmithing, weaving, carving, and boatbuilding. These forms are recognized as living traditions that reflect community values and are passed down through generations. Anyone may submit a nomination for the N.C. Heritage Awards. The nomination process requires completion of a form via the GO Smart platform. The form must include a narrative detailing the nominee’s contributions, impact on their community, and significance within their artistic tradition. Support materials, such as audio or video recordings, images, or publications, must accompany the application. Up to ten letters of support may also be submitted. Support materials help to demonstrate the artist's mastery and cultural relevance. The nomination window opens on February 1, 2026, and closes on May 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. While most of the Arts Council’s grant programs have transitioned to the OPAL system, Heritage Award nominations continue to be processed through GO Smart for FY2026–2027. The application portal requires the nominator to provide their own and the nominee’s full contact details, along with optional assistance indicators for artists needing digital support. Submissions will be reviewed by a selection panel. Recommendations are forwarded to the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for final approval. Nominations not selected remain active for up to three cycles unless modified or withdrawn. Awardees are chosen based on authenticity, artistic excellence, significance within their cultural tradition, and current availability to participate in public recognition activities. For questions or assistance, nominators are encouraged to contact Folklife Director Zoe van Buren at 919-814-6518 or via email at [email protected]. Assistance with digital submissions and sample uploads is available upon request. Materials submitted will not be returned except under exceptional circumstances.