We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

Having travelled from the North West of England to study at the University of Dundee I was surprised to find such a variety of places to go and things to do! My new favourite pastime is going to performances at The Rep! They have a range of incredible performances from dance to drama, comedians to musical shows. Dundee and The Rep have truly opened my eyes to the world of performance!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is how little people living outsidethe City realise how much Dundee has changed over the years and what a fantastic place this is to live,work and visit. I have lived in Dundee all my life and have raised my family here and I would never have had it any other way.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved up from London to Dundee 11 years ago. The same year a watched a few guys emerging from the Tay at Broughty Ferry having swam from Wormit. At the time I thought they must be crazy and now I am one of the 70 or so who once a year in August jump over the wall at the railway bridge to swim the Bridge-to-Bridge. A great event typical of this quirky, friendly and interesting city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How every day I see the city from a different more beautiful angle.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Each scheme has their own sense of community, of closeness and of belonging. Schools in less privileged areas are improving, moving forward and an increasing number of youngsters from these areas are showcasing their talents through various mediums such as acedemia, dance, drama, art or music etc
Im a proud Dundonian , raised in Whitfield and have taken the strength and determination instilled in me whilst growing up and have used this to my advantage to strive to be successful in my adult career. It is no longer the case that 'scheme' kids are being left behind.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The welcome of people who live in Dundee: as an incomer I was struck by the warmth and generosity of Dundonians that finds expression in a range of contexts across the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I got my PhD degree in Dundee. In that three years, I was surprised about the clear sky, clear water, clear air and wonderful landscape. I also was very enjoyable about the night-life in the bars. I think now it is a traditional culture of Dundee. There are several bars on street which have been existed for more than 100 years. I always went to the 'The counting house' established in 1893 to drink beer, and eat the wonderful steaks in each Tuesday,s night. I also like the ancient church building, like the McManos.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's proximity to the beach at Broughty Ferry and the wildness of the Angus Glens (and mountains!) The friendliness of the people and the number of different things available to do with my children on rainy days. Even though I have never lived there, (my extended family did and still does) every time I visit it feels like a homecoming!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great place.....great past, present and future
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The tranquility of Riverside on a Sunday morning, the richness of its history which still reflects throughout the city without hindering its amazing progress, the brilliant diversity of its people, and the never ceasing eruptions of creativity!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich cultural diversity of the city, particularly in the West End is an unexpected delight and the refurbished McManus Gallery is full of treasure.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's hidden secrets are the people that live in it. I studied and lived in dundee for a long while and what amazes me most is the sincere smiles that resonates all around you, their willingness to help you settle in as a foreigner. Dundee boasts of a ground filled with enormous cultural heritage and art And I'm proud to be be associated with IT.
<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> When I came to Dundee to work I was surprised by how much research and innovation happens here. From leading the way in computer games to science-defying developments in medical science it's amazing the talent and skill that is based here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a brilliant place to live. Not only does it have a vibrant student population (of which I am part of), it is populated by fun, friendly and extremely proud natives. The Dundee dialect can be particularly amusing and the city's history is magnificent.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is something about Dundee, probably that it overlooks the Tay, that makes it always dazzlingly bright. Dundee has many hidden gems. As a student, we often climb up Law Hill to the beautiful view or visit the large number of character filled pubs, cafes and food places near uni. My flatmates and I have found a wonderful cafe called T Ann Cake, behind Caird Hall. Dundee is a great and easy place to socialise because of its size everywhere near town is generally walkable.However, there could be more in terms of tourist attractions, including a bigger cinema in town.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its location, is probably best in Scotland, just need this USP to be developed and recognised..The V &amp; A is a great start...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The world famous Dundee United FC
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love United!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The accent - no one sounds like us - bales of jute in every sentence!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the hidden vaults below the city. I wish more people knew about them
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee 's friendly locals, its beautiful setting on the Tay, its stunning architecture, sunshine and outstanding art school all drew me to the city which I now call home. The passion and talent of Dundee's creative community and the various organisations that support it, with my particular favorite being Vanilla Ink Studios, have continued to surprise me, with their commitment and determination, inspiring and motiving me in my own practice. Dundee creatives are putting this great city on the map, and well, you may be surprised, but I'm not! :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All my stuff is here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The loyalty and pride of Dundonians in their city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee used to be "jam, jute and journalism". Now it is vibrant, with mainstream and arthouse cinemas, live concerts, good theatres, a wide range of restaurants, including those specialising in local cuisine as well as a variety of different ethnic cuisines, and both old and new places to relax and socialise. The fact that the museums and heritage sites are here is just the tip of the iceberg. Dundee offers something for everyone.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Over the last couple of decades Dundee has become a hub of creativity, not perhaps something which those not familiar with the city would realise immediately. There are exhibitions and arts events and festivals throughout the year ranging from the DJCAD degree show in May to the Light Night in November.
Dundee being a compact city, everything is accessible
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I like that Dundee has culture without pretentiousness;
that we have bands who play big festivals but still play in local pubs, and world class classical musicians playing in community centres and day centres for older people; and that I can be entertained on the way home from seeing Scottish Dance Theatre by a homeless guy dancing joyfully in the aisle of the bus while his mate plays a mouth organ.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The bars and pubs are ace! My two favourites are The Art Bar and The Speedwell Bar (AKA Mennie's) - quite different from one another but both very friendly, unique and wonderful.
The fact that 20 minutes drive in any direction takes you into fantastic countryside. Dundee is surrounded by beautiful hills, glens, lochs..... Great for outdoor activities. Hill walking in summer and snowboarding / skiing in winter (or spring this year!).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's fascinating history of whaling is still largely untapped. It inspired Mary Shelley when she wrote Frankenstein and led directly to the amazing exploits of Scott, Shackleton etc. Shackleton even once tried to become MP for Dundee! The Tay Whale in the McManus is awesome and there's loads of animals brought back from the Arctic by the whalers in the university's zoology museum.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its a very lively city, with plenty to do and look at. you're never bored in Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from Dundee Law - opens up to the entirety of Tayside, the North and the Kingdom of Fife
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Heading into Dundee over the Tay rail bridge early morning, with mist on the Tay and the sun coming up is magical
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sometimes you have to look a little closer or a look at a city from a different angle to discover the hidden gems of arcitecture or urban archeology that may be there but never seen. Dundee is a facinating plave for this. The grand gateway to the Howfe that has never been opened for decades, The 1/4 mile long aquaduct over the Dichty burn at Fintry ....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Spent three years in the city as a student in the 60s and loved it. Now come for cultural events eg at the Dundee rep thatre which we love. Always excited by the changes taking place while preserving some of the old haunts c.f .Hawkhead.
Nostalgia mixed with anticipation would describe my response to Dundee in 2013....well deserves City of Culture 2017. Incidentally 50 years since my graduation in Medicine!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For quite a small, old industrial city Dundee has so much to offer. From the indepedantly run gallery and cinema the DCA to the recently renovated McManus Gallery. There is also a whole host of events going on week to week in smaller venues such as the Generator projects and Tinroof... This place is alive with art and culture which I believe will continue to grow and grow
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The burgeoning independent film scene (Closure, Location Scouting among others), the home of Yuck'n'Yum,lots of local bands, Ickle Film Fest, the Dundee Comics Day, the creativity of Dundonians clearly attracts more creativity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the beauty of the Tay
the people's pride in their city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How everyone knows one another and how they welcome new people in surprises me about Dundee. Everyone has the same or similar memories of places and even with new students etc moving to Dundee they can still join in and create memories.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The thousands of people who turn up to the Art College degree show opening night - year after year. The small city that has the most enormous pride in its new creative talent. And in return - the creative community that champions and celebrates the city that sustains it. Together, they will reinvent Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has lots of lovely buildings, botanic garden and the best place of all for kids growing up in Dundee and the surrounding area is camperdown park. Dundee is also the sunniest city In Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is home to the Camperdownii Elm or Ulmus Glabra, of which I have two in my garden. This rare tree was first discovered as a mutant hybrid in Dundee's Camperdown Park around 1840. Every Camperdownii Elm in the world is descended from cuttings from that original tree, since the tree does not seed. I have never seen another tree quite like it. Their twisted, spiraling branches and umbrella of weeping leaves are truly unique and every one who visits my home comments on how amazing they look and are always surprised to learn Dundee has its own tree.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazing group called the ruby Tuesday. we are women who unite once a week and run community drama workshops that all women of any age are welcome too. we empower. We explore. We love. we laugh. We give each other the support that's needed. we are waiting to climb on to the Dundee map. With time effort and energy. ..we Will make it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One Cultural event that I really enjoyed taking part in was the city wide production of "Witches Blood 2". ( This was community theatre at it's best! ).

There is many more current examples of community theatre in Dundee, the production of "This Town" at the Verdant works being a another good example.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Culture is not only between the walls of rooms and museums, but also in the streets ! You can walk around and admire the beauty of the buildings, the statutes, etc. Dundee Uni is also doing agreat job with its art show ! Dundee deserves to be recognised as a real city of culture !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The View (from the Tay Bridge when the sun is setting towards Perth). Dundee United (in sport for all the community). Brian Cox (Stack, a nod to our industrial heritage). The Discovery (of a place where all are welcome). The Road and the Miles to Dundee (and also the road to Broughty Ferry for an ice cream at Visocchi's). Magdalen Green (future for the Waterfront). The Beano (we will all have in 2017).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Whilst I don't claim to know Dundee well enough to comment on the 'hidden secrets', I do plan to move there and find them out. What I like about Dundee is that it is not too big, is walkable in and around, has a lovely waterfront location and is brimming with potential. There are some cracking restaurants and lovely vistas all across the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I studied Fine Art at DJCA and my experience there, the aspiration and belief it had, and that living in the city provided, all instilled aspiration in me beyond measure. The dynamics of being a student in the city was way beyond the comparative scale of the city, the environment was rich in enquiry and expertise, pride in the city was palpable and the attitude positive and open towards everyone. I miss the obvious 'cultural highlights' but I miss the warmth of the people and old Dens Rd Market.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I come back I find a new discovery - hidden beaches, dramatic cliffs, castle ruins - within a stone's throw of the city centre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the beauty of Dundee, from the Law Hill until the River Tay. Love the poem engraved in stone as you walk by the river and how majestic the Discovery Ship is. I love to live in the city of discoveries and innovation!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's whaling history and the associated exhibition in the refurbished McManus Gallery
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> quite simply the people, the friendships and the fantastic weather!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Art bar, Reading Rooms and DCA!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Jute, jam and journalism made Dundee, so they said in school. The real hidden secret though is the people, they make it! And, the Highland cows on the way in, the DCA, the University, the Beano, the Tay, McGonagall's poems &amp; the V&amp;A one day! It's a hidden hub of creativity. Go Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am a visually impaired musician born in Dundee. It is never short of amazing venus, and it has plenty of opportunities to hear some some amazing bands.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Close knit feel that you normally get in small towns and never in cities. The majority of the people are lovely and friendly
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 24*7 open Clarks bakery always attracts me with variuos flavors, tastes of pasteries and pies. I am loving it so much that I started living nearby it &amp; let open my window for the sweet fragnance of cooking.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is about to have its first historical anthology of poetry - 'Whaleback City' (from Dundee University Press). The broad sweep of Dundee's history, people and gegraphy has been represented in poetry since the 16th century, and this book will chronicle all of it through the words of Sir Walter Scott, Wiliam McGonagall, Joseph Lee, Don Paterson, Douglas Dunn, W N Herbert and many others.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Apart from the obvious attractions, etc available in and around Dundee you just have to ask people who are not from Dundee, students , medical trainees, art students, what they think and why they want to stay, it is the warmth,humour and friendliness of dundonians which make this city inviting and a home, there is something for all ages in Dundee.
From Invergowrie to Monifieth, from across the Tay from Fife there is easy access to all amenities and attractions, people want to come back to Dundee.
With future plans e.g. the new train terminal, the museum ,waterfront redelopment Dundee moves on to the future and makes it even more attractive for locals and visitors.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I've lived in Dundee since 1985 and to this day the humour, the dry wit of the people still engages me. In town, the medieval rubs up against Starbucks, dotcom computer-game creators drink in the Phoenix next to old guys who worked in the boatyard. Go down to the riverside, look left and there's nothing out there until Denmark. 28 years in the city and I've been banged on the nose only once and, on that occasion, I was really asking for it. That has to say something.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The museums and galleries, the cafés and bars as well as the talented artists, musicians and wonderful community spirit. When the sun shines the buzz in the air is fantastic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's exciting to live somewhere that feels like it just keeps getting more interesting, more diverse and more creative. I'm not a Dundee native but it feels like home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Westport to Perth Road area has a range of different pubs, cafes, shops that has something different for everyone but easily walked round.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Over the last decade Dundee has shrugged off its Jute, Jam and Journalism image for one of a technology, media and bio-science leader. A pheonix rising from the ashes of its past.

Dundee's progress is unlimately recognised by the decision to site the V &amp; A museum in the city which is a massive boost of confidence for the city. Dundee should be awarded the UK City of Culture 2017 as a recognition of its transformation and as an inspiration to other cities that they too can re-invent themselves.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Coming here in 1993 I have never been let down by the city's enthusiasm for development and growth. "Big enough to be a city, yet small enough to be friendly" has always been an unofficial motto banded about on its' streets and one that it lives up to. I have been proud to be part of the city through the Univeristy of Dundee and it's motto to "Transform LIves" and see how these changes still happen on a daily basis in the hearts, minds and souls of the Dundee population who continue to strive for change for the better.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sunniest place in Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The music. There's a surprising variety. Open mic nights with some talented acoustic musicians, jazz and swing on the HMS unicorn, well known names playing gigs at the dog house or fat sam's and everything in-between. Whether you want a chilled out night, fancy some dancing or want to see your favourite band Dundee has it all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the perfect sized city. Everything is close and you can walk the distances easily or take a bike. The location is also perfect. It's close to the sea and at the same time close to the bigger cities and the Highlands. A walk along the river Tay when the sun sets is always special!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a visitor to the city over the last two years I have been delighted by how friendly and helpful everyone is and how vibrant the city is in it's atmosphere. I love it so much I am trying to move my family near to Dundee from the south coast. You have so much to offer!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My memories of Dundee include a vibrant music scene with folksinging, pop, etc.. In addition the stage scene with theatre and variety shows giving an eclectic choice of venues. A compact town centre gives a village feeling to the town which enhances a feeling of togetherness.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its dynamic internationalism
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is an incredible thirst for knowledge in Dundee as can be seen in the great variety of public meetings and the huge numbers that attend them. Some of the Saturday evening lectures at the university attract 800 people or more.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How proud people are to be from dundee. Its a city in need of a facelift but the people of dundee love it unconditionally.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee was Scotland's second city for over 200 years and by area had Scotland's largest medieval city centre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I still find it amazing how many creative people live and work in Dundee. I am always hearing about someone new working in the creative industries e.g. at the Pecha Kucha nights in Dundee. These are great nights to find out more about what talented people are working here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The thriving technology community specifically software development the city supports is a hidden jewel in Dundee's crown.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a goldilocks sized city with giant ambitions. It is a melting pot of creativity and the size of the city means that people can really get together and make things happen. Pretty awsome things.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The parks and the people:

Inspiring.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I like it that the city is always clean and the flower beds are tidy in the winter and blooming in the summer months.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the art scene, the nightlife and the underground music scene
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How, nearly twenty years since it changed beyond recognition, I can still hear the noises, smell the smells and feel the atmosphere of The Shed at Tannadice.
<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> Sunniest city in UK, in an exquisite setting on the Silvery Tay. Small and compact yet has with a vibrant social and academic environment, including two Universities.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The art school is wonderful!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people, the history and the resiliance of the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a strong community which is full of people who are more than willing to embrace change to the city. It has got a great mixture of old and new and plenty of things to do for all ages. Plays, musicals, dance, sport, live bands, art, great restaurants, bars, pubs, shopping, outdoor activities, parks, woodlands, beach, the tay, with plenty more on the doorstep how could you not love it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee now. I moved here 30 years ago from England, and was very disappointed with the 4th City of Scotland. Over the last few years I have been really delighted with all the changes; good restaurants, new bands, the Blues Festival, the Rep theatre, the DCA which always has something worth seeing, the parks and walks, the exhibitions and concerts, the wonderful talks every month, the soon to be opening fabulous hotels and the small stores, particularly in the West End, which sell everything I could possibly want. Why would I live anywhere else?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> You can be in stunning countryside within 15 minutes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Progressing to a Major Cultural City
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The DCA is an amazing place in the city centre where I have taken part in many workshops, used the dark rooms and been to many amazing performances and exibitions. It is also a great place to meet your friends for lunch, hopefully in the Sun and you can even catch a movie.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> its cute and its got nice footballers
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is one of the most beautiful locations in Britain with the banks of the Tay on one side and the sidllaws on the other to capture the four seasons of the year. The people make the city and Dundee has the charactors and people to make any city proud. The very roots of Scotland are based here and the city today is as commercially successful as ever to be City of Culture 2017. Dundee maybe has no oil revenue but historical and cultural we are as good if not better to carry the flag.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Billy Mackenzie !!!!!!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> when ever i am away driving on the west coast i always look forward to coming back and i can guarantee that when i am coming along the perth dual carriage way i am always on the look out for the top of ninewells hospital then i know i am home,,,its a great site to see......
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is Scotland's hidden gem - its setting is sublime (the river seen from any of the city's hills never fails to stir the imagination), its people are warm and welcoming, and it has, historically, punched well above its weight as a centre of creativity and culture. No other city is more deserving of the 'City of Culture' award.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The richness of the art scene!
In the late Nineties I enjoyed going to exhibitions and events in London. Now I'm getting the same buzz from openings and exhibitions here in Dundee. Thanks to DCA, DJCAD, Generator and several generations of art students who have stuck around the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an amazing city which deserves to be recognised as the UK city of culture. There are various reasons for it including the various interpretations of the term 'culture'. In terms of cultural capital, there is a lot of cultural diversity within our communities, which come together through public fora and work of the organisations such as our primary and secondary schools, two universities, college, Dundee Rep, DCA, McManus Galleries etc. One has to just google 'what is on in Dundee' to realise that we have various cultural events everyday and every individual in the city directly or indirectly plays a part in making this city so culturally rich. The arrival of V&amp;A is going to put us even more prominently on the world map as the cultural city of not only UK but the world. We strongly believe that Dundee is THE UK city of culture!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The underground music scene. A true variety of musicians, bands ans dj's playing at venues across the city such as Beat Generator, Doghouse, Duke's Corner and the Reading Rooms.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is home to a great university that combines talents from multiple fields, including science and art, and when these talents and skills are combined amazing things happen! Dundee is small but productive and innovative!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from the Top of the Law (hill) - on a clear day you can see just how far Dundee has come in the past 100 years. Look north and you see the chimneys of old jute mills, look south and you see the University and Welcome Trust building at the University fo Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden secret is Dundee itself. Before moving to Dundee for work, one of my former colleagues expressed candid surprise at my decision to move from Southeast England. She said she had been to Dundee, and that it was not a very nice place. After having spent almost a year here, I can say she was utterly wrong. The city is one of emergent wealth, thriving because of several factors -- lively students, vibrant arts, beautiful outdoors, surprisingly sunny weather . . . The city is well connected by bus, rail and air.
<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> Dudhope Park is a sometimes forgotten gem in the centre of Dundee! Dudhope Park has been improved with lighting in the skatepark and nearby paths, improvements to the tennis courts and - very soon - a brand new play park! Being the main green space in the centre of Dundee it's a great place to enjoy the sunshine!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is beautiful with a rich history. Amongst the lovely sights to see are the ship "Discovery" and the Jute museum. The River Tay is a beautiful sight to see from the Tay bridge especially at night. The people are warm and always offer you the nice scottish hospitality and you often get to see many of the men in traditional Scottish kilt. The University Of Dundee offers a diverse mix of cultures from across the globe which blend with the eclectic mix of the old and the new that is The City Of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a multicultural city with a wonderful, supportive creative community. It is also the sunniest city in Scotland, which makes it a fantastic place to live, discover and grow in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Universities and the Colleges with their unrelenting academic vibrancy amazes me and just blows my mind.  We are a city of Discovery and we discover something new every single day.  How fantastically magical is that?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history, the art and the science that hides round every corner. From the Gormley in the hospital to the modern architecture, to the statues and memories of Dundee's greatinventors, scientists and statesmen
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The dragon, Minnie the Minx and Desperate Dan sculptures. My children love climbing all over them and running away from the dragon. The sculptures are accessible, contemporary and have relevance for every age group.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I work with a group of ESOL learners at Dundee International Women's Centre. They never fail to bring a smile to my face when they say what a wonderful place Dundee is to live and how friendly and welcoming the people have been to them. I would like to share the voices of these women, who come from many different countries and many of whom now call Dundee home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It always amazes me when I find out about all the activities on offer in this city from keep fit and wellness in the older communities through DHLI to free Yoga sessions for children at Heartspace Yoga. Dundee has many faces : friendly, feisty, hardworking, cultured and multi cultural, sporty. There are wonderful places to eat and drink and relax with fantastic views over the river Tay. We have the most wonderful people who are so proud of our achievements and our city.

:)

×