RARE Foundation Announces 2026 RARE Artist Awardees

Ten artists recognized across six categories will share their stories with national policymakers during Rare Disease Week on Capitol Hill in March 2027

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The RARE Foundation, today announced the ten awardees of its 2026 RARE Artist program, celebrating artists who use creativity to share personal experiences with rare diseases to help raise awareness, impact policy, and inspire advocacy. Selected from 244 entries, this year's awardees represent nine states and a range of artistic mediums, including visual art, digital art and photography, music, poetry, and short film.

A panel of judges selected 20 finalists from this year's submissions, and more than 2,300 members of the public participated in voting in October to help determine the awardees across all six categories. This year marks the introduction of the Short Film category, expanding opportunities for artists to tell their stories through new creative mediums.

The 2026 awardees range in age from 15 to 60, reflecting the diverse experiences and perspectives of the rare disease community. Six awardees are age 22 or younger, and two share their perspectives as family members or caregivers of individuals living with rare diseases. Six awardees are participating in a RARE Foundation program for the first time, while four are returning participants, including two former awardees from 2015 and 2024.