Michael Audain

Michael Audain

UBC expands research into historical Indigenous art through $6 million endowment

UBC alumnus, Michael Audain, OC, OBC, one of B.C.’s most ardent champions of the visual arts has donated $3 million to UBC to create the Audain Chair in Historical Indigenous Art. The gift, supported through the Audain Foundation, will be matched by the university to create a $6 million endowment. Recruitment of an internationally recognized scholar will begin shortly.

Jul 21, 2020

Canadian arts philanthropist’s $5-million gift creates major new arts centre at UBC

A $5-million gift from arts philanthropist Michael Audain’s family foundation will establish a major new centre for the visual arts at the University of British Columbia, providing a leading-edge facility for future generations of Canadian artists.

Apr 4, 2012

Last privately held object from Captain Cook's collection donated to UBC Museum of Anthropology

An object of global historical and cultural significance, received by explorer Captain James Cook from a Canadian First Nation during his final voyage (1776-1779), is being donated to the University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology (MOA) by a leading arts philanthropist.

Recently purchased through a private dealer in New York, and valued at $1.2 million, the rare ceremonial club was the last remaining object from Captain Cook’s personal collection not housed in a public museum. Thanks to the Audain Foundation for the Visual Arts, the club returns to British Columbia, where the famous explorer received it from the Nuu-chah-nulth people of Vancouver Island’s west coast in 1778.

Mar 20, 2012