2026 National Heritage Fellows by the National Endowment for the Arts: Belen Escobedo, Juan Díes, and Victor G. Pichardo | Special Presentation

This event is free and open to the public. RSVP is required.

Join us at the Mexican Cultural Institute for a special evening celebrating three extraordinary Mexican artists who have been named 2026 National Heritage Fellows by the National Endowment for the Arts: Belén Escobedo, Juan Díes, and Víctor G. Pichardo.

The National Heritage Fellowships are the nation’s highest honor in folk and traditional arts. Since the program was established in 1982, the Arts Endowment has recognized artists for their artistic excellence, lifetime achievement, and contributions to the preservation and continuation of the nation’s traditional arts heritage. With the 2026 class, 502 National Heritage Fellowships have been awarded to artists working across more than 200 distinct art forms.This year, three Mexican artists are among the distinguished recipients:

Belén Escobedo – recognized for her work as a violinist and musician, carrying forward the musical traditions of the Mexican-American Southwest.

Juan Díes – recognized for his work as a musician, folklorist, educator, and advocate for traditional music, with a particular focus on corridos and the musical traditions of Mexico and the U.S.-Mexico borderlands.

Víctor G. Pichardo – recognized for his artistic contributions and dedication to preserving and sharing traditional Mexican arts and cultural heritage.

During this special presentation, the three honorees will join us at the Mexican Cultural Institute to share their personal and artistic journeys, discuss the traditions that have shaped their work, and offer our audience a glimpse into their respective art forms through special demonstrations and performances.

This evening offers a unique opportunity to meet these distinguished artists and celebrate the richness, diversity, and continued vitality of Mexican folk and traditional arts in the United States.

Learn more about the 2026 National Heritage Fellows through the National Endowment for the Arts:

• Belén Escobedo:https://www.arts.gov/honors/heritage/belen-escobedo
• Juan Díes & Víctor G. Pichardo:https://www.arts.gov/honors/heritage/juan-dies-victor-g-pichardo