The CT Arts Foundation hosted its official launch Tuesday at Grace Farms in New Canaan.

News 12’s Rebecca Suran moderated a panel discussion where speakers emphasized the state’s creative art-scene and the importance of supporting the work of local artists.

The nonprofit also announced they will be awarding “Genius Grants” similar to those offered by the MacArthur Fellows Program.

“Artists don’t stay in Connecticut because there’s no support for them – and our goal is that we’re going to be supporting upwards of 100 artists a year,” said Jack Rosenberg, a chairman with the CT Arts Foundation. “Society benefits when we have artists, because that’s the soul of what we do.”

Donations to the CT Arts Foundation can be made here.