Victor Thomas Jacoby Awards

The Victor Thomas Jacoby Awards are administered by the Humboldt Area Foundation and the Wild Rivers Community Foundation. These awards were established by the late Victor Thomas Jacoby, a master tapestry artist known for his work in French tapestry, as well as his dedication to artistic excellence and exploration. The awards are designed to support visual artists and craftspeople residing in Humboldt County, California, encouraging them to pursue new ideas, techniques, and artistic development. Up to four awards of $10,000 each will be granted through the 2025 funding cycle. Artists may apply whether they are pursuing a specific artistic project or seeking support for general artistic growth. The awards are open to artists working in a wide array of visual media, including but not limited to animation, digital media, drawing, fiber, filmmaking, glass, jewelry, metalwork, painting, photography, porcelain, ceramics, printmaking, weaving, spinning, dyeing, and woodworking. Performing arts such as theater or dance are not eligible for this award. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive application that includes a project name and summary, details about their artistic background and proposed work, and an explanation of how the award will support the exploration of new materials, techniques, or mediums. Additionally, applicants must include a description of how funding will expand their artistic horizons and remove financial barriers. A detailed use-of-funds description is required, along with 10 samples of the applicant’s previous or proposed work. Applications are not reviewed anonymously, and the artist must also confirm their eligibility regarding any affiliations with the Foundation’s staff or board. Those with close affiliations are advised to consult Foundation staff prior to applying. No match funding is required. There are no restrictions based on race, gender, or economic status; however, only adult visual artists residing in Humboldt County are eligible to apply. Applicants must adhere to strict submission requirements for artwork samples, which include specific file types and time limits for video content. Student work is not considered unless it was created outside of assignment requirements or as part of an honors portfolio. Selected recipients will have the opportunity to opt into sharing samples publicly in award announcements. Applicants are advised that this is a highly competitive grant cycle. All applicants must review and agree to the Foundation's terms regarding the use of funds and reporting requirements. Final awards will be made at the discretion of the committee, and all funding must be used to further artistic development in alignment with the goals of the Victor Thomas Jacoby Fund.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the grant coordinator if unsure about medium eligibility.