Medals were awarded in five categories (architecture, literature, music, painting, and sculpture), for works inspired by sport-related themes.
[4] At a meeting of the International Olympic Committee in 1949, it was decided to hold art exhibitions instead, as it was judged illogical to permit professionals to compete in the art competitions but only amateurs were permitted to compete in sporting events.
[8] Hitler wanted to add a further selection of artistic events that he believed would glorify the Nazis to the programme of the 1936 Games, including dance.
[9][10] Fourteen nations took part, and a festival with choreography and performance by Harald Kreutzberg and Mary Wigman was held.
Rudolf von Laban had also been contracted to contribute, but his choreography was not deemed to be suitable propaganda and he was placed under house arrest.