Found in Translation:
The Michael and Inna O’Brian Collection
September 12, 2026 - December 13, 2026
Curated by Lisa Baldissera
Opening Reception: September 11, 2026 | 6-8pm
The O'Brian legacy in Canadian arts and culture is profound and multifaceted. As collectors, they have amassed a significant and diverse body of work that reflects the evolution of Canadian art in the postwar period as well as innovation by intergenerational Indigenous artists from the region. As philanthropists, they have provided crucial support to institutions and individual artists alike, enabling the realization of numerous projects and initiatives. As advocates and leaders, they helped shape the direction of major cultural institutions, ensuring their relevance and vitality for future generations. This exhibition provides a comprehensive look into their celebrated collection for Vancouver audiences!
Michael O'Brian's passion for the arts, coupled with his business acumen, positioned him as a pivotal force in shaping Vancouver's artistic community and beyond while Inna O'Brian has been instrumental through the Michael and Inna O'Brian Family Foundation and as former Trustee of the Vancouver Art Gallery, in supporting various arts and educational initiatives across Canada. They have both dedicated their lives to nurturing emerging artists and promoting cultural diversity. Inna’s commitment to the arts continues to honor Michael's legacy while furthering their shared vision for a vibrant and inclusive Canadian cultural landscape.
The O’Brians’ multifaceted contributions to the arts encompass institutional leadership, and direct support to artists. Michael’s service on numerous boards and advisory committees of prominent cultural institutions underscored his commitment to arts governance. He held directorial positions at the Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver Opera, Museum of Anthropology, and the National Art Gallery of Canada, among others and consistently leveraged his expertise and resources to advance their missions and expand their reach.
For over a decade at Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU), they supported various initiatives, including the development of ECU's Great Northern Way campus where Michael was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in 2013. For twenty years, they supported the Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at the University of British Columbia establishing the Satellite Gallery, an experimental venue that facilitated collaborations among various Vancouver galleries and museums and initiating MOA's Strategic Acquisitions Fund, which enabled significant additions to the museum's collections with a focus on works by living artists and makers. In 2019, Michael O'Brian's contributions to Canadian culture were nationally recognized with his appointment as a member of the Order of Canada, the country's highest civilian honor.
The O’Brian’s nuanced British Columbia and international collection traces their vision and generosity, and testifies to the transformative power of engaged, thoughtful arts patronage and the enduring importance of culture in shaping national identity and discourse.
Image (Secondary): Dana Claxton, The Protector (grid), 2020. Chromogenic print. Courtesy of the artist.
Image (Lead): Krystle Silverfox, Royal Tease, 2020, Inkjet print, 56 x 34 inches. Courtesy of the Artist
We thank North Vancouver Recreation & Culture and the Freybe Foundation for their generous sponsorship of our programs and exhibitions.
