The North Carolina Heritage Award is a Lifetime Achievement Award given to artists in the state of North Carolina in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the state’s cultural heritage. The Arts Council believes these awards deepen awareness of the rich and diverse cultural traditions of the people in North Carolina.

The award was created in 1989 by North Carolina Arts Council and the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Since then, The North Carolina Heritage Award has honored over 130 eminent artists.

Asha Bala became the first South Asian to receive the 2018 North Carolina Heritage Award for her tireless efforts to promote Bharata Natyam in North Carolina.

"I have been a dancer my entire life. First, as a student, then, as a performer, and now, as a teacher. During this evolution, I have learnt to adapt to new situations in order to touch as many lives as possible through the art of dance. From India to the U.S., from Bharata Natyam to Modern dance, from traditional gurus to high school kids with their “whatever” attitudes, my personal journey has been full of surprising turns. Dedicating my life to the performing arts has not always been easy, but I would not trade it for anything in the world. The meeting of minds, the meeting of cultures, the richness of this confluence make it all worthwhile.

Receiving the 2018 North Carolina Heritage Award is a tremendous honor. I am humbled and grateful beyond words to Wayne Martin, Sally Peterson and all the members of the Arts Council for considering me worthy of this recognition.

But, the greater recognition is for Indian classical dance. An award of this stature takes it one step closer to becoming a part of the cultural conversation of this country. To claim its place in history, alongside other great artistic traditions. To me that is the greater honor."

- Asha Bala

All Heritage Award and Arts Council photos are from NC Arts Council