Inaugurated in 1980, the Regional Cultural Center of Santarém (CCRS) emerged as an active pole of debate for issues related to citizenship and culture, and to energize cultural events. This center presents a diverse agenda consisting of cultural activities, such as exhibitions, concerts, theaters and children’s events. With the support of Millennium bcp,Foundation, the Center instituted a competition for the National Poetry Prize Mário Viegas, with the purpose of stimulating and encouraging poetic production.