The Rihard Jakopič Award is named after Rihard Jakopič, an important Slovene impressionist painter who worked at the beginning of the 20th century. It is the highest award in the field of fine arts in Slovenia. The award is bestowed annually to a Slovene fine artist who lives and works in Slovenia or abroad for his best recent work, exhibition or project. Candidates may be nominated by a cultural institution, by a fine arts association, by the Slovene Academy of Sciences and Arts (SAZU), by the Ministry of Culture, or by an individual. The winner is selected by a special Board.