:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

Dundee is a multicultural city. It has a great creative hub with some inspiring works by people from all around the world. It is a thriving place for art, music, dance, theater and science. Dundee never fails to surprise me. It is not just the city of discovery but also the creative city yet to be reinvented.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee University campus holds an incredible vibe about it. I remember first starting university and being completely awed by the atmosphere always surrounding the campus and the community spirit of the university. Whether it's your freshers week, a random night out, or even cramming at the library, the fact that all the uni's institutions are contained in this one campus means the place has a constant buzz about it. I doubt there's many other universities that hold the same exciting atmosphere.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians themselves. When in the city talking to peers often they overlook the vibrancy, riches and uniqueness of what the City has to offer.

The usp of the City and it's developing drivers is that: the City continually renews and evolves with the changing environ, no longer should the city be thought of as the City of Discovery and the 3 J's for Jute, Jam and Journalism, but that One City Many Discoveries, and the drive and development in sectors of bio medicines, digital media, renewables, developing culture - DCA, The McManus, Dundee Rep, the impending V&A Dundee.

With that said, take a Dundonian out of the City, and it is inspiring to hear how positive an ambassador they are for their beloved home City.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The richness and diversity of the arts and culture; the burgeoning technology industry and the determined spirit of the locals.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having recently retired to Dundee from London I have been amazed at the diversity of cultural activities on offer here. The wealth of films shown at the DCA for every type of audience; the excellent repertory company and the brilliant Scottish Dance Company based in Dundee and now gaining an international reputation; the Discovery Centre, the Verdant Works Museum, and the Caird Hall hosting visits from international ballet companies and orchestras,and the V&A coming soon. Dundee is already a city of culture!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the increasing amount of arts within the city! The home of a growing dance scene comparable with international cities. Scottish Dance Theatre, SPK, SSCD, DDP. This city is throwing above its weight in terms of modern dance. How many other art forms? Duncan and Jordanstone, DCA, McManus, V&A, WASPS... need I say more?!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The university is so good

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived in Dundee for over 40 years. I recently had a guided tour around the frigate Unicorn at Discovery Quay. A truly hidden gem in Dundee. Steeped in history on 4 decks I could imagine life as a crew member almost 200 years ago.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The site where Mary Shelley stayed, our public observatory (only two in the UK), our incredible views over the Tay from the Law Hill, our parks, our beach, our football teams.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the Darcy Thompson museum. The university has a wonderful collection of art as well. The breadth and volume of cultural events in the city is amazing. Dundee's siting is handsome being on the river and its parks are a wonderful asset - areas like Balgay and Magdalen Yard, Camperdown, etc.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Left Dundee 15 years ago, but will always be a West End lad. Magdalen Green, the Band Stand, the Views across the Tay, McIntosh Patrick and not forgetting the pehs and plehn bridies.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The huge amount of history of Dundee

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The independent development of resources, supported by local people. Support given to theatre, - professional and amateur {music and drama}. Scots music, song and poetry is endemic - popular,widespread and developing. A strong centre for Art and the Arts and prominent in the sciences (medicine, biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, IT skills,computing and traditional sciences. Dundee is a cultural centre for East and Central Scotland, Britain and the World, with many foreign students and visitors.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The first thing that surprised and delighted me about Dundee was that it still has many of its old buildings and cobbled streets. It has a strong sense of history, but not in a way that holds it back. The historic city is cherished and involved, without sacrificing the space the new city needs to flourish.
Besides that, the support for the arts is obvious all over. This is most obvious in the city centre, and makes the space one that people care about - it's rare to find bollards, lamp-posts, benches and notice-boards that are all designed to be “nicer than they have to be" (to quote a friend).

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has something for everyone. For those quiet reflective moments when you can sit & listen to the waves lapping and look at the beautiful view of the Tay, the view changing depending on the weather. There are lots of places to visit like the McManus & DCA, there's retail therapy to be had, a quiet pint in the pub or a night out at a gig. I was brought up in Dundee but haven't lived there for many years. I visit family there regularly and am always struck by the friendliness of the people, and also how the city is always evolving and changing.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nobody crowds you here, but nobody goes it alone.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> History, warmth, calm and nice

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is always a buzz about Dundee, even when the university students are not in town. There's always something different to do, from the University saturday eveing lecture series, to local events and bands, sports events. We are fortunate to have Dundee Contemporary Arts with a rich variety on offer and our Repertory theatre. A few minutes in any direction you are in countryside and there is a great cycle path around the city and great cycling and walking to be had nearby too. We have great bars and restuarants too. It's a great place to live and socialise.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The architecture hidden in plain sight in the city centre!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> GENRAL GRANT'S VISIT TO DUNDEE

When U.S. Grant paid a visit to my home town,
They spruced it up with a lick of paint
And then they showed him round,
Two bands played in fierce competition
As the rain came down,
And the General said, "What a mighty long bridge to such a mighty little ole town."

A man called Walsh hung from a window
With the Starts and Stripes,
And the orphan boys sang, "Alouette"
It was sweetness and light,
But as they sang the fire bell rang
And they ran for their lives,
"What well trained little orphans and a precious little song."
Said the General's wife.

A carriage was called to the Magdalen Green,
Before the darkness fell,
With a short stop over for the ladies convenience,
At the Royal Hotel,
And the General frowned through the last of the speeches
Though he took it well,
"What a pretty little bandstand, what lovely little steeple,
What charming little houses and such cheerful little people,
But what a mighty long bridge for such a mighty little ole town."

- Michael Marra.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Charles McKean - his lectures about Dundee are always an inspiration.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazingly beautiful and varied doors on the old buildings!! I keep finding another and another. This city is full of beautiful and quirky architecture. I also love the 'drawbridges' on many of the houses on the south side of Perth Road.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee-The place to be!

It will astound you the sheer number of the most famous people in the world who have connections with Dundee- some that have been hidden or forgotten about up until recently - you can google them to find out -e.g Ian Fleming(007 Author) and Daley Thompson(Olympic Athlete).... along with the more well-known ones such as Brian Cox,The Average White Band and Winston Churchill....

Not to forget all the other legends from the worlds of Politics, Music,Theatre,Art,Writers and Sport-George Galloway, Brian Cox, MIchael Marra, Ricky Ross, DannyWilson,

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's got a great location, lots of history, culture and vibrancy and is a great place to visit.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From my time studying here, I have found that their are lots of friendly people. Chilling at the law hill with the amazing views. Wondering round an exhibition at DCA/McManus.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee's gritty determination. It's a city that just won't back down, always looking forward and has a belief in itself.
And the best fish suppers can be had at The Silvery Tay in Menzieshill!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> T Ann cake

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city's inhabitants make you feel at ease even though know little about what going on your own life

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a city with a creative spirit, and a many promising, developing creative industry. But I think that the most important 'hidden secret'of this city is the V&A museum and the configuration of the waterftont

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My favourite place is the The West End, a vibrant neighbourhood with small craft shops, local food shops and cafes frequented by students and other residents. There are lovely views down Windsor strret across Magdalene Yard Green to the rail bridge across the Tay.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The supports of Dundee United are a very well dressed bunch. Kudos! Dundee, more than any city I can think of, deserves this title. A boost is more than due!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I absolutely love that even in South East Asia people know who Dennis the Menace is and are even more impressed when they find out that he comes from Dundee.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The up and coming foodie scene in the city is a hidden gem - many people head to the big cities but with fresh fruits and produce available locally, there is plenty to get excited about that is dished up on a plate in Dundee.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fact that Dundee's law hill is actually a dormant volcano! And that it's got a secret tunnel through it! And that you can walk to the top for breathtaking views :-)

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden work being done to support young people with no hidden agenda except to see the young people develop and reach their potential. The work being done at St Andrews church with the young mother, Hot Chocolate Trust are to name two. Working with these young people are people who believe in the young people of Dundee. The are attempting to play a part in changing the future of Dundee from 'the inside' believing that any sustainable change must be done now to affect the future, and must be done in people not wholly by policies and procedures.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendly people, diversity and surrounding beauty.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's WONDERFUL!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Looking towards Dundee and over to Fife from waterfront at Broughty Ferry, really pretty.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee decided a long time ago that it was not going to be talked down to and look where it is going. it is ever changing, looking to the future with V&A Dundee on its way, which will be housed within a stunning purpose built delight. But don't forget about the past look around and you can see what Dundee was with many beautiful buildings of years gone by.

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