Meet our Donors | Michael O’Brian
For more than 40 years, Michael O’Brian has matched his extraordinary career in investment banking with a distinguished reputation as one of Canada’s leading arts philanthropists.
Throughout his career, including in his current position as President of Nairbo Investments Inc., Michael has shown an intuitive sense for financial management, and his passion for the arts has lead him to share that wisdom with numerous arts and culture organizations throughout the province. Michael’s understanding of the unique economic obstacles faced by non-profit organizations has informed his many volunteer roles in support of these organizations. These include Directorship roles for the Vancouver Art Gallery Foundation, the Thomas Foundation, the National Gallery of Canada Foundation, and along with his wife Inna, Vancouver Opera. He is a past trustee of the Vancouver Art Gallery, and the Museum of Anthropology, and is a past member of the Deans Advisory Board of the Faculty of Arts at the University of British Columbia. An avid advocate for education, Michael is also an advisor to Create Change Foundation, an NGO currently sending over 1000 young girls to school in Ghana.
Michael’s appreciation for the arts is not limited to the academic – it extends to the artists themselves. He generously gives his time to mentor, guide, and network with young Vancouver artists and contributes immeasurably to their successes. He is also the founder and a Director of the Satellite Gallery, a non-profit art gallery. The Gallery is a visionary project of the Michael O’Brian Family Foundation, created as a leading space in downtown Vancouver to provide public education and experience in the arts, and opportunities for student mentorship. The gallery includes 3000 sq. feet of exhibition and programming space, and is a shared collaboration between the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery (UBC), the Museum of Anthropology (UBC), Presentation House Gallery, and the Charles H. Scott Gallery (ECUAD).
Michael’s public and well-celebrated support of the arts finds authenticity through his internationally respected personal art collection, which includes many pieces by Emily Carr University faculty and alumni. We are proud to be one of the many institutions to count Michael O’Brian as a long-time personal advocate and celebrated champion. Lately, he has formalized this relationship even further, by accepting a role as a Member of the ECUAD Board of Governors, and by joining our Capital Campaign Cabinet, working in support of The Big Idea and our new campus development at Great Northern Way.
Ever generous with his time, Michael recently agreed to chat with us regarding his career, his art collection and his thoughts on The Big Idea and longstanding involvement and support of Emily Carr University.
EC: When we talk about creative endeavours, we often talk about inspiration. Was there someone who inspired you early on in your career?
MO: Definitely. One was Prentice Bloedel, who in his retirement believed in me to the point that I became his financial advisor. I have had three mentors in my life, including my father. These mentors all had an influence not only on my early career, but also in my life generally.
EC: Was there someone who inspired you to take an interest in and/or start collecting art?
MO: Many years ago, an elderly client who happened to be a part owner of a commercial art gallery in Vancouver, introduced me to his personal collection, which included many Group of Seven paintings. As a result of his guidance and knowledge, I became hooked and started collecting and learning about the visual arts. This was in my early 30’s.
EC: Your personal art collection is internationally respected and recognized as one of the best of its kind. What goes into choosing a new acquisition? Has the process changed for you personally since you first began collecting?
MO: Both my wife and I would normally choose any acquisition together. Collecting is something normally that resonates deep within me. Often decisions happen quickly. While my collection has changed over the years, my decision-making has not.
EC: You have a long and distinguished history of supporting not only artists, but also arts and culture organizations in Canada. As a person who has excelled in the commercial/business realm, how do you see those two spheres – arts and industry – supporting and complimenting each other?
MO: What we are talking about is values. A vibrant community is one that not only supports industry and business opportunities, but also excels in the ARTS. It is the arts that provide the soul of any community. The two go hand in hand.
EC: What led you to create the Michael O’Brian Family Foundation?
MO: Milton Wong, an old friend, came to see me one day with a request to support a non-profit situation that he was involved with. As a result, I created a Foundation for the company that I headed up. When the company was sold, I acquired their Foundation and changed the name to the Michael O’Brian Family Foundation.
EC: It appears that funding for many charities is shrinking each year. What do you see as a logical solution for managing the financial difficulties some charities and cultural institutions are facing?
MO: As in any corporation, management is key to every charity. Any non-profit today has to seriously look at the sustainability of its organization.
EC: In your opinion, what is the most important contribution arts & culture bring to a society?
MO: Arts and culture is more important than ever in today’s world. It is what separates out society from extension and anarchism.
EC: What global opportunities would you say exist for a person who has studied creative arts?
MO: I do not have statistics, but (I know) the arts employ tens of millions of people worldwide. People everywhere have a need to feel connected in their lives, and the arts generally provides for this need.
EC: Emily Carr University’s Capital Campaign is called The Big Idea. Would you share one of your Big Ideas with us – past or present, or even an idea you would like to see turned into reality in the future?
MO: My Big Idea would be to see Vancouver create a world class Cultural and Art Center with participants including a modern and classical music venue, ballet, opera, private and public art galleries as well as outdoor sculptural gardens and restaurants. In addition, other facilities for the advancement of creative learning could be included.
With thanks to Michael and Inna O’Brian for their participation in this article.
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