The city of Seville in southern Spain boasts historic and cultural charms. Not only is it the home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, but also the birthplace of great artists such as Diego Velazquez, the 17th-century master painter whose baroque works have influenced many including those in China.

A painting and sculpture competition named after Velazquez was recently launched in Beijing, inviting artists and students at art colleges around the world to submit works.

Xu Mangyao, an oil painter and a member of the judging panel, said for generations Chinese artists have been inspired by the rich traditions of Spanish art, and the competition would allows home-grown artists to deepen their understanding of the oil painting traditions, and further intensify the exchanges between two cultures.