Sheila Hicks
Awarded the 2023 U.S. Department of State Medal of Arts
18 September 2023
Portrait of Sheila Hicks, 2018, Musée Carnavalet, Paris © VG Bild-Kunst; photo: Cristobal Zanartu
On September 13, the U.S Department of State’s Office of Art in Embassies honored Sheila Hicks with the 2023 U.S. Department of State Medal of Arts. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden presented the artists with their medals at a White House ceremony.
The Medal of Arts award was created by Art in Embassies, in partnership with the Secretary of State, in 2012 to formally acknowledge artists who have played an exemplary role in advancing the U.S. Department of State’s mission to promote cultural diplomacy. Their achievements represent those of thousands of artists who make art diplomacy possible at U.S. embassies around the world. Art serves as a bridge with other nations, encourages discussion and expression, and highlights the communal experience of people from countries, cultures, and backgrounds worldwide.
“This year’s honorees, like those before them, selflessly offer their creative talents to the mission of American cultural diplomacy,” said Megan Beyer, Director of Art in Embassies. “Artworks on display in embassies and residences are potent soft power tools of diplomacy.”
Previous Medal of Arts recipients include: Jeff Koons (2013), Sam Gilliam (2015) and Jenny Holzer (2017).