Recognised contributions to the arts and heritage were well represented in the 2009 New Year Honours List.

James Hervey-Bathurst, former president of the Historic Houses Association was commended for his service to heritage with a CBE, and was among several people recognised for their contribution to museums and regional heritage. Dr Ian McKenzie Smith, president of the Royal Scottish Academy was made an OBE for his services to the arts in Scotland, while Rosemary Kelly, chair of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, received the same honour for her work in Ulster.

Rosalind Savill, director of The Wallace Collection (an 18th and 19th century art display) at Hertford House was awarded a CBE and Jennifer Sealey, artistic director of Graeae Theatre Company, was commended for her services to disability arts with an MBE. Dr Sally Montgomery was also awarded an OBE for her service to the Science and Discovery Centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland.