Simons and Douglas Coupland Embark on Multi-year, Crowdsourced Art Project

3DCanada – A 21^st Century Portrait of Canadians

QUEBEC CITY, July 3, 2015 /CNW/ - Simons, renowned family-owned fashion retailer, and Douglas Coupland, celebrated Canadian novelist and artist, announce the launch of 3DCanada, a first of its kind, crowdsourced art initiative. Between 2015 and 2017, Coupland will visit six cities across the country to scan Canadians at various Simons locations where participants will take home their own 3D printed busts. The project will culminate when Coupland unveils 3DCanada – a sculpture made of hundreds of 3D printed busts – at the future Yorkdale Simons store in 2019.

As a nod to the Quebec retailer's expansion across Canada, 3DCanada will capture 3D files of a sampling of Canadians from Quebec to British Columbia. The project is another example of Simons' commitment to arts and culture, demonstrated through their support of local artists and art institutions.

"3D printing is changing the way we create, build and design almost everything," says CEO Peter Simons. "We invite Canadians to experience the technology and join us in capturing a moment in Simons' history."

In store events will take place on Saturdays during store hours, where up to 100 people will get the chance to meet Coupland and experience being scanned. Each 3D bust, printed on site, will be about 5cm tall and available for pick up the following week.

"3DCanada is a cross-country portrait of Canadians 150 years into nationhood," says Coupland. "What do we look like now and where are we going with technology? 3DCanada will present a glimpse of what a group portrait can look like in the 21^st century."

The original Simons store in Quebec City will host the first scanning event, followed by Montreal. The next four events will take place at future Simons locations in Vancouver, Mississauga, Ottawa, and Calgary. 

	Quebec City, QC – July 11, 2015
	Montreal Centre-ville, Montreal, QC – July 18, 2015
	Park Royal, Vancouver, BC – Fall 2015
	Square One, Mississauga, ON – Spring 2016
	Rideau Centre, Ottawa, ON – Fall 2016
	The Core, Calgary, AB – Spring 2017

About Simons

Simons was founded in 1840 by John Simons as a dry goods store in Quebec City.  Since then, the company has built its reputation on being passionate about fashion. Simons is now led by brothers Peter and Richard Simons, who carry on the brand's commitment to cultivating creativity and building meaningful relationships with staff, partners, as well as customers. Simons offers an extensive and very fashion-forward collection of its own exclusive and innovative private label brands for men and women, complimented by a selection of national brands and an edited collection of international designers, making it well known for its exceptional selection of merchandise for everyone.  Simons also carries home fashions for the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.

All nine Simons stores are compelling, original environments that inspire customers through fashion, art and architecture. Locations: Montreal, Anjou, Laval, St. Bruno, Sherbrooke, three in Quebec City, including its headquarters in Old Quebec, as well as West Edmonton Mall. Six new stores are in development throughout Canada.

Visit www.simons.ca or follow on Twitter: @SIMONS_eng (English) or @Simons (French), Instagram: @maisonsimons, Facebook: facebook.com/simons.ca.

SOURCE Simons

For English communication, contact: Brittany Elliott, Jane Gill Public Relations, [email protected], 416.922.4404 ext. 27