The National Arts Awards are divided into the following categories:
Arts Advocacy Award is presented to a noted artist or arts advocate with a track record of advocating for the arts.
Arts Education Award is presented to a noted artist or arts advocate with a track record of contributing to the advancement of arts education.
Corporate Citizenship in the Arts Award is presented to a high-profile, major corporate leader with a record of contributing to arts and cultural institutions or initiatives.
Eli and Edythe Broad Award for Philanthropy in the Arts is presented to an individual with a demonstrable history of philanthropic giving to one or more major arts institutions.
Isabella and Theodor Dalenson Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a nationally recognized, established artist with a lifetime of exemplary artistic accomplishment in his or her field.
The Bell Family Foundation Young Artist Award is presented to an individual who has achieved incredible accomplishments and exemplary leadership while still early in their careers.
Outstanding Contributions to the Arts celebrates the artistic excellence of an established artist or arts advocate.
Kitty Carlisle Hart Award, Outstanding Contribution to the Arts Award, was awarded by the Arts & Business Council from 1996 to 2004, it became part of the National Arts Awards in 2005.[3]