Don Wright, Canada’s Jingle King, announced last Monday a $1-million contribution to the University of Manitoba in support of the university’s new Centre for Music, Art and Design (CMAD), as well as scholarships in the Faculty of Music.

$800,000 of Wright’s contribution will support the development of the Centre for Music, Art and Design, a planned 98,000-square-foot facility at the university’s Fort Garry campus. $200,000 will support scholarships for University of Manitoba music students, which will be matched by funds from the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative.

“I want my gifts to show faith in students at the University of Manitoba and CMAD, and to encourage others with a love of the arts to also show their support,” Wright said.

Wright, who turns 97 in September, has enjoyed a long and celebrated career as a composer, arranger, educator and philanthropist. Best known for writing hundreds of jingles for brands such as Tide and Kelvinator, Wright has generously supported music education and music organizations across the country.

The Centre for Music, Art and Design is a collaborative project between the Faculties of Architecture and Music, the School of Art and the Libraries. The Centre will focus on innovative, collaborative scholarship involving all aspects of music, art and design.

Faculty of Architecture dean David Witty said CMAD will be like no other centre in Canada.

“The Centre for Music, Art and Design will be unique in Canada as a building dedicated to the exploration of performance-based new media,” Witty said. “This is a very new, emerging area and CMAD will position the University of Manitoba as a national leader in this type of collaborative scholarship.”

Faculty of Music dean Dale Lonis said Wright’s passion for music education will help emerging artists realize their full potential in a first-class, pioneering facility.

“The scholarships Dr. Wright has provided the Faculty of Music will allow the talented stars of tomorrow to follow their dreams,” Lonis said.

“His financial support for the CMAD project will be known as the catalyst that ignited a generation of creative collaboration that brought together musicians, artists, designers and entrepreneurs who believe in the human spirit and the power of community.”