The University of Newcastle (UON) Foundation has announced emerging artists Nathan Keogh and Nerida Ackland are the joint winners of the 2010 Jennie Thomas Travelling Art Scholarship.

Donor Jennie Thomas revealed the scholarship winners at the opening of an exhibition of finalists' artwork at the University Gallery.

The Jennie Thomas Travelling Art Scholarship, which was established in 2003, provides an opportunity for students to travel overseas to do research and gain inspiration for their Honours year of study. Jennie Thomas has established a range of scholarships in the areas of art, music, the environment and medical research.

"It has been an amazing experience for me to see how my donation to fund scholarships can make such a difference to these students. This year’s winners are very talented artists. I look forward to seeing them develop and become successful in the future."

Honours student Nerida Ackland focuses on fibre/textile installation based works. Nerida is planning to travel to the Venice Biennale, a contemporary art exhibition in Italy, with the funds from her scholarship. Nathan Keogh wants to travel to New Zealand to study sculpture, his area of focus.

The winners of Jennie Thomas scholarships don't just receive financial support they also get a friend for life. Jennie follows the careers of her scholarship recipients and mentors them.

Some of her past scholarship winners have gone on to great success. Photographer and digital artist Alexia Sinclair won Harpers BAZAAR Canon Fashion Photography Award and was a finalist in the Archibald National Photographic Portrait Prize.

Being shown alongside the scholarship finalists' works is another exhibition called 'Gifted'. This collection includes a collection of art that has recently been donated to the University. Donated art includes the works of a range of artists including Tom Bannerman, Kerrie Coles, Aaron Bellette, Caellie Jo Brooker, Mazie Turner and Trevor Weekes.

UON Foundation CEO Louise O'Connell said both exhibitions demonstrated the value of philanthropy.

"We are very grateful to Jennie Thomas and the support she gives students through funding scholarships. We also greatly appreciate the donation of artworks that have been gifted to the University art collection."

Both exhibitions run at the University Gallery from 30 June to 17 July.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the University can contact the UON Foundation on (02) 4921 7454 or visit www.newcastle.edu.au/foundation.

About the UON Foundation:

The UON Foundation aims to attract philanthropic support to enhance our capacity to be a university of distinction. Donations help fund student scholarships, academic positions and research. The Foundation also aims to create and sustain relationships between the community, business, alumni and the University.