Douglas Coupland to Create New Terry Fox Memorial at BC Place
October 19th, 2010
October 19, 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Vancouver, BC, (October 19, 2010) – The 27-year-old Terry Fox Memorial at BC Place will be replaced by a new memorial to be designed by well-known Vancouver artist and author Douglas Coupland. Coupland has agreed to create the new memorial at the request of BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo), the operator of BC Place and with the support of Terry Fox’s family.
Terry Fox Plaza is slated for renovation as part of the current revitalization of BC Place and surrounding grounds, and the existing memorial must be removed as part of the upgrade to the plaza. Both PavCo and the Fox family have agreed that removal of the current memorial provides an opportunity to replace it with a new and lasting commemoration of Terry Fox’s “Marathon of Hope”. Coupland, who wrote the 2005 fundraiser tribute book “Terry”, was retained by PavCo to create the new memorial in consultation with the Fox family.
“Terry Fox embodied the determination and compassion that define us as British Columbians, something that is reflected in the efforts that continue to be made here, and around the globe, to further Terry’s legacy some 30 years later,” said Premier Gordon Campbell. “The new memorial will be a lasting legacy of what Terry and his family have achieved and of the hope they have given millions of people around the world.”
“The chance to recognize Terry Fox’s courage and achievements is an important part of our plans to revamp the plaza,” explained Warren Buckley, President and CEO of PavCo. “By any measure, Terry is an inspiration, one that will be reflected in the new memorial. Meanwhile, the etched steel panels of the existing memorial, depicting Terry's run across Canada to raise money for cancer research, will be given to his family.”
“We are thankful for Warren’s efforts to keep us apprised of all the developments as they relate to the Terry Fox Plaza during the revitalization of BC Place,” added Darrell Fox, Terry’s brother. “Doug has considerable knowledge of Terry’s story and a matched enthusiasm to further his legacy and dream of eradicating cancer once and for all. We are confident that he will develop a tribute that captures Terry’s values of courage, hope and determination.”
About Douglas Coupland
Douglas Coupland is familiar with the Terry Fox story, having written the 2005 tribute book “Terry” in collaboration with the Terry Fox Foundation.
Coupland grew up - and continues to live - in Vancouver. His first novel was published in 1991. Since then he has published twelve novels and several non-fiction books in 35 languages and most countries on earth. He has written and performed for the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford, England, and in 2001 resumed his practice as a visual artist, with exhibitions in spaces in North America, Europe and Asia.
In recent years, Coupland's written work and visual art career have blended together to create a variety of books and a wide array of art and design works that explore the identity of both Vancouver and Canada's citizens. His book City of Glass, a series of small essays on the city has become a perennial bestseller on the subject.
A 2006 film comedy, Everything's Gone Green, further explored ideas begun in City of Glass, and his 2008 one-season thirteen-episode CBC series, was a high spirited exploration of Vancouver’s new high-tech economy.
In 2008, Coupland helped create the Terry Fox Miracle Mile in downtown Toronto. Last year, Coupland’s Digital Orca sculpture was unveiled at the Vancouver Convention Centre. This summer, news also came of Coupland’s winning design for the Canadian Firefighters Memorial to be unveiled in Ottawa in 2012.
Of this new commission, Coupland says, “Terry was a man, but he was also the only icon Canada created in the 20th century. I’m deeply honored by the Fox family to be asked to continue his memory.” www.coupland.com
About the Terry Fox Foundation
The Terry Fox Foundation maintains the vision and principles of Terry Fox while raising money for cancer research through the annual Terry Fox Run, National School Run Day and other fundraising initiatives. To date, over $550 million has been raised worldwide for cancer research in Terry Fox's name. The first Terry Fox Run was held in 1981, with The Terry Fox Foundation being created in 1988. Its national headquarters are located in Chilliwack, BC and it has offices in nine provinces. www.terryfox.org
About the Terry Fox Research Institute
Launched in October 2007, The Terry Fox Research Institute is the brainchild of The Terry Fox Foundation. TFRI seeks to improve significantly the outcomes of cancer research for the patient through a highly collaborative, team-oriented, milestone-based approach to research that will enable discoveries to translate quickly into practical solutions for cancer patients worldwide. TFRI collaborates with over 40 cancer hospitals and research organizations across Canada. TFRI headquarters are in Vancouver, BC. www.tfri.ca
About BC Place
BC Place is the largest sports, exhibition and entertainment venue of its kind in British Columbia, hosting the province’s most notable events including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. BC Place is undergoing a major revitalization that includes the installation of the largest cable-supported retractable roof of its kind in the world. Upon re-opening in late summer 2011, BC Place will be the new home for the Vancouver Whitecaps MLS franchise, will continue to be home to the BC Lions Football Club, and will host the 2011 CFL Grey Cup, plus many other exhibitions, community and entertainment events.
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