The City of Raleigh Arts Commission will present the City’s highest honors in the arts at the 2026 Raleigh Medal of Arts Awards Ceremony, to be held at Stewart Theatre on October 19, 2026. 

The 2026 Raleigh Medal of Arts Awards will feature presentations and performances celebrating extraordinary achievements in the arts and honoring the artists, organizations, and community leaders who have helped shape Raleigh’s vibrant cultural landscape. Our host for the evening is Greg Whitt.

2026 Medal of Arts Awardees

The 2026 Medal of Art recipients: 

• Lauren Kennedy Brady

• Alec and Georgia Donaldson

• Chasta Hamilton

• Living in Color Exhibit 

• Peter Marín

• Rafael A. Osuba

• Michelle Pearson

• Zalman “Zali” Raffael

• Seed Art Share

• Lizette Cruz Watko

The pre-show reception with live entertainment begins at 6 p.m., and the awards program starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets are free, general admission, and first come, first served. There is a two-ticket limit per order.