When it comes to Taylor Swift and The Eras Tour, Vancouver has been getting ready for it for months.
One local self-proclaimed "super Swiftie," has been working on a project that will not only give fans something enchanted to experience but also do some good.
Earlier this fall, Tatiana Correa started hearing early plans for how Vancouver was looking to mark the end of The Eras, and she knew she wanted to organize something, too, albeit something a little different.
Creating something 'for a better cause'
"I find that a lot of people take this opportunity to profit off Taylor, and that's something that never sat right with me," Correa tells V.I.A. by phone. "So I wanted to put my time in and create something that was going to be for a better cause."
The question remained: What?
The answer came from Swift herself.
While onstage in Toronto last month, the pop superstar mentioned during the show that she felt like the cabin set used during the Folklore segment seemed to "belong in Canada."
Immediately, Correa wanted to find a way to recreate the Folklore cabin and offer a vibe like that for Vancouver to enjoy.
"That's it!" she recalls thinking. "That's the installation that needs to happen!"
Folklore, the first of two "sister" albums released during the pandemic, showcases a stylistic swerve towards sonic minimalism, storytelling, and an indie-folk sound. During the Eras Tour concert, the albums share a sequence backed by a whimsical forested cabin, with Swift starting the set from its sloped roof.
Step by step the plan took shape.
Correa connected with Destination Vancouver, who, in turn, connected her with the Bentall Centre, one of many downtown venues that will have an Eras Tour activation, including pre-show family-friendly parties. Soon, donors came on board, including Standard Building Supplies, Plenty of Fish, Charlemain Productions, Revolv Solutions, Just Plants, and Girl Founder World, helping Correa secure funding and materials to build a real-life Folklore cabin.
The Folklore cabin is a 'big community effort'
But cash ain't the only price: It is taking a lot of volunteer hours to make the installation a reality.
"It's truly become a big community effort of everyone either putting in dollars towards it or time," says Correa.
Together, they have built a close rendition of the Folklore cabin that's 16 feet wide, four feet deep, and seven-and-a-half feet tall. It will sit on a platform, all of which will be installed at a surprise location on the Bentall property just in time for the first show day on Friday (Dec. 6).
Correa wants the specific spot to be a bit of a surprise so that in a way, it seems like the storybook cabin simply appears.
While it might be a relaxing thought to picture yourself inside the replica cabin, the display is not meant to hold people, but rather offer Swifties in Vancouver one more amazing site at which they can pose for photos, much like some of the other public installations, like the 13 illuminated large signs around town featuring Swift song titles. There's even one not too far from where the Folklore cabin will dwell.
Cabin installation 'for the fans, by the fans'
"The whole idea is that we're essentially recreating what is on the stage," describes Correa. "When would you have the opportunity to be able to actually take a picture in front of it?"
The cabin will be there, day and night, for anyone to enjoy.
"It's there for the fans, by the fans," explains Correa.
That said, there's an optional give-back component baked in, as the cabin is also a fundraiser.
Fuelled by the notion that Swifties are often giving in nature and that Swift is also known for making charitable donations, Correa has partnered with the BC Children's Hospital Foundation (BCCHF), which will be the beneficiary of the funds raised.
Goal to 'do something really incredible for the Children's Hospital'
"We thought this would be the perfect way to close out the tour by doing something that, to my knowledge, hasn't been done before," says Correa of the cabin's "coming back around" philosophy of doing good rather than being about profit.
In addition to a fundraising page hosted by the BCCHF fans can visit from anywhere at any time, the cabin installation site will also have a QR code so Swifties can scan to make a donation. Any amount is welcome, whether it's $5 or $10 or more, as some businesses and individuals have already donated.
Correa hopes the Folklore cabin can secure at least $100,000 for the BCCHF. She says she has had the opportunity to work on projects benefitting the hospital in the past and she has seen firsthand the impact fundraising has on the families who need the facility.
"Our goal is that it can do something really incredible for the Children's Hospital."
Where will the Folklore cabin be set up?
As far as the final logistics go, those who wish to venture out to find the tribute cabin shouldn't be terrified to look down - or up and around - but they won't see anything until Friday morning when the cabin (which is being built off-site) will be moved into place at Bentall Centre. (It might be even more of a "relaxing thought" for Swifties to figure out where it is.)
Fans may wish to follow the project's Instagram account for updates and clues: @swiftcouver.
"I feel really good about it," shares Correa, who adds she feels hopeful about the Folklore cabin surpassing the fundraising goal. "Maybe even Taylor herself will donate."
