 Three years later, the introduction of the "Havana Bienal" assisted in the further progression of the liberation of art and free speech therein.Throughout most of its 400 years under Spanish rule, Cuba and specifically Havana functioned as the primary entrepôt of Spain's empire in the Americas, with a population of merchants, administrators, and professionals who were interested in supporting the arts.In the 16th century painters and sculptors began arriving from Europe to decorate Cuban churches and public buildings.