It is a contest that takes place every two years to recognize and promote Dominican artistic production and its creators. Since 1964, it has stimulated national art according to international standards. It is the first private initiative to promote the works of local artists in the Dominican Republic and is the longest standing initiative of its kind in Latin America. It involves the entire national artistic network: artists, art critics, curators, historians, gallerists, and journalists linked to culture, among others; and has both national and international juries.