2026 Raleigh Medal of Arts Awardees Announced

Raleigh Arts is excited to announce the 2026 Raleigh Medal of Arts awardees selected by the City of Raleigh Arts Commission. The Raleigh Medal of Arts is the City’s highest arts honor. The 2026 Medal of Arts Awards Ceremony on October 19 at the Stewart Theatre located in NCSU's Talley Student Union will feature performances by local talent. 

The Raleigh Medal of Arts awardees for 2026 are:

• Lauren Kennedy Brady
• Alec and Georgia Donaldson
• Chasta Hamilton
• Living in Color Exhibit 
• Peter Marin 
• Rafael A. Osuba
• Michelle Pearson
• Zalman (“Zali”) Raffael
• Seed Art Share
• Lizette Cruz Watko 

Learn more about the 2026 Raleigh Medal of Arts Awardees.

About the Raleigh Medal of Arts

The Raleigh Medal of Arts is awarded for extraordinary achievement in the practice or support of local arts. Based on the National Medal of Arts program, the Raleigh Award was inaugurated in 1984 by the Raleigh Arts Commission to recognize excellence in the arts. Over the past 36 years, 182 medals have been awarded.