Wikipedia: “From the seventeenth century to the early part of the twentieth century, artistic production in France was controlled by artistic academies which organized official exhibitions called salons.”
CREDIT: Chris Coetzee
Promotion within the ranks in CTPS is achieved by accumulating Gold awards in Society competitions and Acceptances obtained in Salons. Salons therefore play an important role in progressing from Intermediate to Advanced and Master.
In South Africa, the PSSA (Photographic Society of South Africa) as the national organisation representing amateur photographers, provides medals and participates in the organisation of National and International Photographic Salons.