Expressed interest in seeing created an instrument of protection, enhancement and recognition of those who produce and promote culture, MAC decided to create an annual award to distinguish the most notable examples of artistic expression forms, recognizing not only the work and the artist, but also institutions and agents that promote cultural activities, and those who develop measures of protection, dissemination or patronage. First imposed in 1997, MAC awards aimed strengthen links between the various agents and art practices: representations, expressions, knowledge and skills - as well as objects and spaces associated with them - institutions, media, groups or individuals that throughout the year more actively involved in the cultural production, promotion and dissemination, enriching the national and international art scene, in the safeguarding of tangible and intangible cultural heritage. These awards have been included in our annual business plan, acquiring a regular character. To the material realization of these awards, MAC called some of the most recognized names in the Portuguese medal art and Sculpture - João Duarte, Alberto Gordillo and Maria Manuela Madureira. MAC Awards were, over the years, experiencing changes but always keeping the value which presided at its foundation: to relief and reward quality. Each year, we focus on pursuing a global strategy and coordination in the field of culture, with predominance in the Arts, but also including the lyrics, music and other related areas, bringing to us and our partners, the mission to stimulate, support and promote artists, institutions and measures wich facilitate access to new opportunities. One of the main functions of MAC Awards translates into a particular appeal and co-responsibility of institutions with major impact on cultural level, essential for the development of a coherent, consistent and effective strategy, with the obligation to enhance the diversity of initiatives that develop in society and, similarly, encourage co-operation between the various entities for the promotion and dissemination of events. In a hundred artists with whom we work, several names emerge, being innumerable the awardees: Martins Correia, Hilário Teixeira Lopes, Artur Bual, Alberto Gordillo, Alberto Cedron, João Duarte, Matilde Marçal, Luísa Nogueira, Figueiredo Sobral, or more recently , Roberto Chichorro, Maria João Franco and Nelson Dias who, among many others, saw with enthusiasm his workmanship, for more than once, recognized and applauded.