People's Artist of Ukraine is an honorary title awarded by the government of Ukraine. It is the highest title awarded to outstanding performing artists whose merits are exceptional in the sphere of the development of the performing arts, including theatre, music, dance, circus, and cinema. For visual arts, there is a separate title.

History

Established in 1922 during Soviet times, it was originally called People's Artist of the Ukrainian SSR (Народний артист УРСР). When Ukraine gained independence, this tradition was kept and the title renamed People's Artist of Ukraine (Народний артист України). Its recipients include many highly acclaimed artists. During Soviet times, a person was usually named People's Artist only after reaching the age of 40. Exceptions were made for ballet artists.

Other honorary titles

Another honorary title, Merited Artist of Ukraine (Ukrainian: Заслужений артист України), is usually conferred prior to being awarded the title, People's Artist of Ukraine. The title, Merited Artist of Ukraine is also translated as Honored Artist of Ukraine, and requires less years of service or performance; typically, the title People's Artist of Ukraine is given at least 10 years after one has earned the title Merited Artist of Ukraine (also translated as Honored Artist of Ukraine).

List of selected recipients

People's Painters of Ukraine

Theatre, cinema

People's Artists of Ukraine in the fields of cinema and theatre include:

Dance

People's Artists of Ukraine in the field of dance include:

Music

People's Artists of Ukraine in the field of music include:

Circus

Foreign recipients