The Audain Art Museum in Whistler, British Columbia, raised a record-breaking $1.5 million at its 2026 annual gala, marking the institution's 10-year anniversary. The sold-out event, attended by over 500 guests, featured a live art auction of works by artists in the museum's permanent collection, with Stan Douglas's 1974 piece 'Coat Check' achieving a $200,000 hammer price—the highest ever for the gala.
The record fundraising underscores the museum's significant growth and acceptance within a mountain resort community, validating its founder's vision. The funds will support the museum's engagement initiatives and special exhibitions, solidifying its reputation as a premier cultural institution in Canada and a major philanthropic event in British Columbia.