National Institute of Arts and Letters, society of artists, writers, and composers, founded by the American Social Science Association in 1898 for the purpose of furthering literature and the fine arts in the U.S. In 1904 the American Academy of Arts and Letters was created as a section of the institute, and in 1976 the two were merged to form the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters. The organization has three departments: art, literature, and music, and membership is limited to 250 U.S. citizens. In order to establish cultural ties with other countries, noted foreign artists, writers, and composers are elected as honorary members. New members are inducted and awards and honors are conferred at an annual ceremony. Publications include the Proceedings and catalogs of exhibitions held during the year. The organization is privately endowed and maintains headquarters in New York City.