Michael Audain, through the Audain Foundation for the Visual Arts, donated $5-million to Emily Carr in 2013 to create the Audain School of Visual Arts. The Audain School of Visual Arts provides an enhanced visual arts learning environment offering a studio-based education reflective of the diversity and complexity of contemporary art.

Click here to view the funding announcement.

The Audain Distinguished Artist in Residence Program was established at Emily Carr in 2012. The program brings nationally and internationally renowned contemporary artists to Vancouver, creates curriculum specific to each visiting artist, and supports the creation of new works.

In 2005, the Audain Foundation Annual Entrance Scholarship was launched and continues to provide achievement awards to students enrolling at Emily Carr. With the support of these and other projects, Michael Audain has proven to be one of our most enduring and passionate donors.

Michael Audain is the chairman of Polygon Homes Ltd., one of BC’s leading home builders. He currently serves as Chair of the Vancouver Art Gallery Foundation and the Audain Foundation for the Visual Arts, and is an Honorary Co-Chair of the Campaign Cabinet for The Big Idea. He is past Chair of the National Gallery of Canada, the Vancouver Art Gallery and a former member of the British Columbia Arts Council. Awarded three honorary doctorate degrees, he is an officer of the Order of Canada, a member of the Order of British Columbia and the recipient of a Business Laureate of the British Columbia Hall of Fame.