Hossein Farmani, founder of the Lucie Awards, recently formed the Lucie Foundation, a new nonprofit aimed at celebrating master photographers, cultivating emerging talent, and promoting the appreciation of photography.

The Lucie Foundation started its 2009 programming with a focus on education. The foundation will hold year-round programming in addition to the annual Lucie Awards gala. Programs will include mentoring, scholarships, portfolio reviews, lectures, talks and a new festival in Los Angeles debuting this April.

Farmani announced the foundation's formation last October at the sixth annual Lucie Awards. The foundation launched in mid-January and has begun accepting members. For more information, visit luciefoundation.org.