19 July 2013

'Journey for Jane' campaign to be launched

The family of former Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD) student Jane Kelly, who tragically died in 2011, have launched a charity campaign in her memory.

A keen traveller and lover of Russian art, Jane had long harboured an ambition to visit Moscow. As her dream was unfulfilled, Jane's father, Graeme, and brother, Craig, plan to make the journey for her and will travel to the Russian capital this summer to raise funds to establish a student exchange between Dundee and Moscow and for the bereavement charity PETAL.

The 'Journey for Jane' will take place in September when Graeme and Craig visit the British Higher School of Art and Design in Moscow to discuss setting up the exchange. Donations to the campaign can be made via the www.journeyforjane.com website.

'We felt it was appropriate to do something in Jane's memory in what would have been her graduation year,' explained Graeme. 'Jane loved Russian art and had always wanted to visit Russia one day, so Craig and I have decided to make the journey for her. She also loved studying at Duncan of Jordanstone so we want to sponsor an exchange of art and ideas between Dundee and Russia.'

Craig added, 'Jane never had the chance to study abroad. The two of us spoke about her doing an exchange with an art college abroad , but it never materialised for one reason or another. I do know she would have been hugely supportive of encouraging other DJCAD students to grab that chance, That's why I'm delighted to have the opportunity to make that dream a reality for someone else in Jane's memory."

'We are also pleased to give something back to PETAL because of the incredible support and counselling they have provided us with since Jane died. With help, we can build on Jane's legacy for students of the future and assist PETAL in supporting other families dealing with traumatic loss.'

Jane was 22 and studying Fine Art at DJCAD, part of the University of Dundee, when she died in November 2011. Members of her family and her classmates and tutors gathered to plant a tree in her memory outside the front entrance of DJCAD in May, when Jane would have been exhibiting at her Degree Show. A plaque paying tribute to the popular student is installed alongside the tree.

Anyone who wishes more information about the Journey for Jane campaign should visit www.JourneyforJane.com.

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
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University of Dundee
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E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk
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