The Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts (Spanish: Medalla de Oro al Mérito en las Bellas Artes) is awarded by the Ministry of Culture and Sport of Spain to individuals or institutions excelling in artistic or cultural creation or to those that have provided valuable services to promotion of art and culture or to conservation of artistic heritage. The medals were created by means of a December 1969 decree, and are bestowed on an annual basis. Until 1995, both gold and silver medals were awarded, after which only the gold medal has been granted. Source: Wikipedia (en)