The Dickinson College Arts Award honors an individual or group who has made an outstanding contribution to the creative or performing arts. A committee of faculty and trustees makes the selection.

The Award was initiated by the faculty and endowed in 1959 by gifts from members of the board of trustees, notably C. Scott Althouse and Sumner Drayer, in honor of William W. Edel, president of the College from 1946 to 1959.  The recipient receives a Wedgewood medallion bearing the likeness of President Edel based on a sculpture created by Nancy Dryfoos, distinguished American sculptor, together with an honorarium.