Millionaire businessman’s donation a boost to Emily Carr expansion plans

VANCOUVER – Millionaire businessman and philanthropist Michael Audain is making a multimillion-dollar donation to Emily Carr University.

The chairman of Polygon Homes has promised $5 million toward the planned expansion of the art school’s campus on Great Northern Way in Vancouver.

University spokesman Barry Patterson says it’s the largest private donation to Emily Carr since the school opened its doors in 1925.

Audain’s contribution brings the total amount raised so far to $113 million of the estimated $143-million cost of a new campus.

The donation establishes the Audain School of Visual Arts and marks the start of a capital campaign to raise the remaining money.

The 75-year-old businessman says Vancouver is emerging as a world leader in visual arts, and he hopes his contribution will help promote arts-related jobs and economic growth in the province.