We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

Dundee’s amazing history of artistic talent – for example the Celtic and symbolist movement in the 1890s and 1900s, formed by amazing artists like John Duncan, Stewart Carmichael and George Dutch Davidson, whose work is still staggeringly beautiful and mysterious today. Plus all the great comics artists like Dave Sutherland, a living legend who has drawn The Bash Street Kids every week for 51 years – give him a knighthood now!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an Australian who has lived in Dundee for 17 years I have always been impressed by the multi culteral atmosphere that the Universities , Colleges and Ninewells Hospital. Dundonians don't brag about their city, its not their style. But that is not to say that they don't have something to shout about, the arts are alive in Dundee, inspired perhaps by the beautiful sunsets up the Tay, of the diamonds that shine on the Tay on a summer's day.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I live in the west end of the city, high up above Perth Road and just in front of Blackness Road. I have an uninterupted view of the River Tay. I waken each morning and the view never fails to amaze me. It is fantastic and the ever changing river provides a backdrop for all sorts of wildlife. I can look west towards Perth and see what sort of weather is coming my way and I look east and sometimes see the 'haar' rolling up the river.I am a very fortunate Dundonian.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a beautiful city. It is an amazing place to live. I think it is just the right size. If you look upwards in Dundee, you can see amazing architecture on buildings.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is a small, friendly city which is beautiful but which does not blow its own trumpet! The current redevelopment is going to help show Dundee off to the world as a place to be proud to stay and great to visit. I have stayed here around 11 years and love it. The Fisherman Tavern's Beer and Music Festival has to be an annual highlight for me, we need more local music events like this. I also love the Ferry beach, the indepedent cinema at the DCA which always guarantees a good watch and the productions at the Rep too.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city has a rich, diverse and vibrant arts scene and with its broad international population through the two universities, the pool of talented individuals adding to Dundee's culture keeps growing. The Blues Bonanza, Science Week and the University of Dundee's freshers week are some of my favorites!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A city full of culture and history. From the industrial revolution to more recent times Dundee has played a huge role in the UKs history.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Reading Rooms. Best venue in a 5-mile radius bringing great bands, DJs and nights to the city and supporting musicians, artists and everyone else. Catering for the underground in a funky old library that epitomises the redefinition of culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a wonderful place. It is beautiful, the Tay gives the city an amazing backdrop. It embraces freedom of experience. My daughters learnt Highland dance in school but also grew up steeped in Bharatnatyam (Indian dance culture) and this was supported by the Dundee City Council and Creative Scotland. There is much personal space, Dundonians get on with their lives, the city's culture is one of non-interference and mutual respect. My daughters now study in Edinburgh and Riga, I work in Brighton, but we are looking forward to experiencing the magic of Dundee over Christmas and Hogmanay.
<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> The city continues to thrive in quality. We are not a city of quantity. We more than make use of the resources we have and we are a beautiful, scenic city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is so welcoming!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful views of the River Tay and beyond which appear often unexpectedly from across the city. The amount of green spaces and the fantastic impact of the daffodils along the Kingsway which lift your heart and you know its Spring!! .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Amazing ancient archaeology under our feet, just waiting to be discovered: the medieval burial grounds under the Auld Steeple; the mystery of the Bronze Age Balgarthno Stone Circle, and the McManus Galleries with their unique collection of Pictish monuments inspiring us to gaze into the past and wonder who? what? and why?
<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> Always a thrill to drive over the "Silv'ry Tay" on the approach to Dundee-it looks different every time depending on the weather, but "silvery" it always is!  Then there is the "Can Do" attitude which is apparent everywhere in all the building work at the Waterfront, and finally the down to earth friendliness of the people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scotland's the home of invention and Dundee's its Scottish home
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The excitement and anticipation I feel when I pass through what will be the new waterfront. It is like a flower waiting to burst into full bloom. I can't wait!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We've got two Universities, two football teams, two bridges and a professional ice hockey team a plethora of theatres and a number of fine museums. The people are proud, but not pushy. The city has one of the finest settings in the world and despite many of the mistakes of the sixties almost every other city made it is now going places and has a tremendous sense of optimism. Becoming City of Culture would be the icing on the cake of the cities rebirth.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing local businesses tucked away in Exchange Street are becoming less of a secret by the day. Five minutes from the High Street and you'll find the best food in town at T Ann Cake and The Cheesery.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A city that feels like a village, and where I can be on a beach in 10 minutes or in the mountains in 45. You can't beat that.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians!! The people of Dundee are friendly, funny, creative and ambitious and are genuinely interested in what other people are up to. A great place to live, work or study in. Shops, pubs &amp; restaurants old or new - Rockhaven, Burns &amp; Harris, Grouchos, RARA, Carnaby's, The Dock Street Pet Shop with the talking parrot, The Doghouse, The Popular, The Deep Sea, Jimmy Reid's, too many to mention!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The cultural quarter of the DMCA, the rep and all the events happening!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Im always proud to say Im from Dundee and it almost always gets a positive reaction when meeting new people and if it doesnt its really easy to get people to think again about their views when sharing some facts about our history, music, culture, football team (DUFC) etc etc
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Barnhill Rock Garden is my family's favourite place: tadpoles, dens, beasties, birds and beautiful scenery!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an industrious city both historically and today, creatively. I am in awe of the solidarity between creatives in the city; collaborations, skill swaps and interdisciplinary learning. We are forever on the cusp of something wonderful!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a vibrant city. A city we can (and all) love. A city with so much to see, full of heritage. A city with so many creative talents, that inspire so many people. Dundee is a homely city, a city we should be proud of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Ninewells hospital in Dundee is amazing. It has done so much for myself and my relatives. A huge asset..
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> DCA Cinema has one of the richest programmes, you could imagine. From international to documentary, it's all good.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the art scene is thriving, welcoming and diverse!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I like Dens Road Market, it's a real treasure trove.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Schools Music Theatre an education as well as friends for life.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Heart Space Yoga and the Whiteroom's - two vibrant and supportive yoga centres in the lovely city of Dundee. Nourishing folks, impoving health and mental well-being.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's passion, drive and dedication towards creativity and culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The local music scene is one of the most enriching for a city its size. There are also a vast array of excellent local businesses; restaurants, pubs, shops, what have you. Dundee should be more recognised on the cultural map.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Bringing someone who had never been before, I got to see things that I had always taken for granted in a new light. The sarcastic humour of the locals, the warm atmosphere of bars and restaurants, the surroundings of the city (which look as though they could have been designed as a stage set, particularly when coming over the bridge when it looks as though all the buildings of the city are facing forwards, eager to be seen) and the abundance of exhibitions and festivals. i was surprised that I hadn't noticed that Dundee could be so fascinating.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The City itself. It is full of little surprises that you never new about until you accidentally discover them. Old beautiful Buildings you didn't know existed in the middle of the busy high street. Or even some of the people that used to live here. Its strong history gives it a sense of culture I have never seen before.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Law Hill. Always great to see when you have been away from the city for a while.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazing mental health service full of people who really care and really make a difference. They have supported me through think and thin and really made a massive difference to my life
<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 is a hidden jewel....it has a special energy and is full of kind and blessed people who radiate love. Dundee is on the edge of great things........it's only a matter of time!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has lovely country parks, camperdown has it's own zoo, a golf course and having a stroll through the park in Autumn is not to be missed. We also have Baxter Park and Lochee Park both have a variety of activites throughout the year. Walking from bridge to bridge along the embankment is a joy.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fact you can turn a corner and find an amazing piece of street art, or a medieval building or just meet an interesting character, who's always friendly and willing to share
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A city where I have lived three exciting years as a PhD student. Cutting-edge science work, multinational friends, delicious christmas puddings, amazing landscape!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee seems like a city at first glance, but once you spend time in the city you realise it is like a village, impossible to walk through the centre without bumping into people you know. There are different vibes and culture in the different parts of Dundee and its great to walk around and learn more about each of them.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having lived all my life here there is little that surprises me anymore. It's when I visit other cities that I appreciate the relative calm and lack of awful traffic in Dundee all the more.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Attend one of Creative Dundee's Pecha Kucha nights to learn more about creatives you knew about and discover ones you didn't. Always inspiring. Duncan of Jordanstone Art College is a hub of exciting creative activity and brings creative life to the city. I love going to degree shows in summer to see an amazing spectacle of talent and fresh ideas. Look forward to seeing a strawberry farm this year as part of Interior and Environmental Design's showcase. Can't say the students aren't dynamic!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a rich history. An hour or two in Verdant Works, a stroll through the High Street, a tour through Discovery Museum and McManus Museum, and a glimpse of the Tay from the Law are all proof of that.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I don't think this is classed as a "hidden secret" but it's something I hope will be highlighted as part of Dundee's cultural activity - the annual blues bonanza held at the end of June each year - purported to be the biggest free blues festival in Europe, and hugely popular with the artists and audiences alike.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A bright, blue-sky day and the sun shining on the beautiful River Tay and glinting off the railway bridge. Why would anyone want to live anywhere else?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The upbeat and creative atmosphere, encouraging collaborations and creative interdisciplinary projects, and an ability to make a difference!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> DCA's Print Studio is a fantastic resource for both aspiring and established creatives. It offers a wide range of courses suitable for complete beginners as well as open-access facilities for member use, which include dark-rooms, a laser-cutter, large-scale printers and equipment for various printmaking methods. The studio's affordable rates make it worth travelling from other cities for too.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Creative and inventive people, with great sense of community and pride in the city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a perfect sized city, where you can run into friends that you know often, unlike in bigger cities. Is also big enough that you can meet a vast variety of different people. Also the law hill is one of the most amazing places ever.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Although Dundee is not particularly nice at first sight, the sunset from Broughty Ferry or the sunrise looking at Hilltown from the University is simply amazing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The V&amp;A and the waterfront development combined with the DCA and the Rep are in themselves brilliant cultural hot spots within our great City as they buzz with conversations of the arts. However, it's the community culture of Lochee or Fintry that I think plays a key role in Dundee being nominated. With several such unique areas within one city it makes for a truly special place something worth UK recognition.
<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> Dundee is an amazing place. As someone who has moved here, I have always been made to feel welcome. The city has a great feeling of space, wide skies, large parks and the Tay. My favourite area is Broughty Ferry, with the Fisherman's Tavern live music, Vissochi's ice cream and the beautiful sandy beach.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Chicken pilic at The Agacan
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee feels like the obvious centre point in Scotland - it's within an easy 90 minutes distance from other wonderful cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, but in contrast, you can go to the beach, the countryside, up the Glens, into the Highlands and beyond very easily. Sitting in the evenings watching the Silvery Tay with the hills of Fife behind is a view I never take for granted and the sunsets in the winter months are truly spectacular. We are so fortunate to have the quality of life that we have here in Dundee, I've never found the need to leave for very long!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> This City has really grown and developed over the past few years , Discovery Quay , Verdant Works and soon the V &amp; A.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative atmosphere in the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee doesn't feel the need to try and prove itself - resulting in a very chilled out and welcoming atmosphere.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What we like best about Dundee: Me, my wife and two boys simply love the Grassy Beach Walk from Stannergate to Broughty Ferry. The walk coupled with the views of the sun glistening off the River Tay are simply breathtaking. Ample reward is to be had at the end of the long pleasant walk with a cold drink or two (alfresco I might add) at the all too inviting Ship Inn by the side of the river. Where else in the UK can you spot dolphins bobbing in and out of the Silvery Tay and also catch a glimpse of Bob Servant's extension! Now thats what I call a family walk on a Sunday!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Aberdeen &amp; Grampian Chamber of Commerce wish Dundee the best of luck in becoming the UK City of Culture. The City of Dundee has our full support as the only Scottish representative.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That my city of birth keeps on reinventing itself and appreciates it's rich history!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the place to be, it is full off up and coming designers and people with many talents. Dundee is a beautiful city especially when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom along the Arbroath Road. It has views to take your braeth away. The night life is good and people as so warm and friendly. Definitely worth a visit if you haven't already done so. You will come back for more.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has become my 'home from home' over the past 13 years. I moved here at 17 to study and have never left! I love the fact that Dundee is a city, yet it is right next to the countryside.I love running along the river front and strolling along Broughty Ferry beach with an ice cream from Vissochis. I enjoy admiring the views of Dundee from the other side of the Tay Bridge. I enjoy the buzz from the West End and the Cultural Quarter and the diversity of the people you meet here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quality of higher education on offer in Dundee is exceptional, as attested by warm and enthusiastic student reports. World class research in a range of academic fields is recognised in the wider academic community and places Dundee University (including of course Duncan of Jordanstone College) among the very best available.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> "The Speedwell Bar ( Ma Mennies'), Perth Road, Dundee is one Edwardian public house that has retained its original shopfront and fittings, due to their exceptional craftsmanship. One of the very few pubs in Scotland and the only pub in Dundee having been listed for the quality of its interior" Adam Swan, Chartered Town Planner, Dundee District Council" Built in 1903 on the site of a well for the Lord Provost James Speed the Speedwell is acclaimed in the Daily Telegraph (3/4/09) asone of the Uk's best 70 pubs. Home of Dundee's William McGonagall Appreciation Society
<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 heart of the city to me is the university of Dundee and the Duncan of Jordanstone. Even before I was a student I was impressed by how it was a self-contained area and I enjoyed the atmosphere and diversity of life all along the Perth Road. In the summertime there are always new faces and this breathes new life into the city. It's a creative, buzzing place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was a wee lassie, living in a Dundee housing scheme, then i got involved in Youth Theatre at Dundee Rep - that was 30yrs ago!! I am still there!! - in my role as a community drama officer, i see daily the impact the arts have on peoples lifes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think Dundee is much more beautiful than a lot of people realise. There are some stunning buildings and because so much of it is on a hill there are some beautiful views of the river. I like going to the graveyard next to the Westpark Conference Centre and looking across the river. Other things I like about Dundee - the DCA, the amazing Dundee Roller Girls roller derby team, the Creative Dundee movement that seems to be developing, the little independent shops and cafes that are hidden away and some of the lovely green spaces we have.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a huge village!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I like the ambition of the waterfront project, and the collaboration between different agencies in the city which are bringing it about, and hope that it surpasses all expectations.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The City of Dundee has the current 'Scottish Hairdresser of the year' Kay McIntyre who is now in the latest member of and the only Dundonian in the British Hairdressing 'Hall of Fame' Its also the only hair salon to have won a Regeneration Award and Commendation by the British Civic Trust...Oh and you get a great hair cut too!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee was not my first choice, but here I found work, love and a city with more than enough facilities and culture and a few unique surprises. Red squirrels, dolphins, beaches, and woods, views, rivers, castles, seals, cycle routes, great bus services, universities, art galleries, theatres, bridges - still finding new stuff. I was lucky, as I could have missed Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing, Dundee can and does it has demonstrated its ability to make the future happen, its a place where you can add value, it treats you as a person, not as a number. Join in and see where you can make your voice heard.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The little independent shops. Coffee, clothes or technology, there is one for everything. Big chains are great but these places are what makes the town
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The heritage of Dundee and how we have progressed so far in a few years to adopt culture, art, fashion, education to such a high standard. But still keep ties to our history as a hard working industrious city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Grassy Beach is my favourite Dundee secret. I'm sure it has it's own microclimate as when the weather is dire elsewhere, it usually feels much milder there. I also love beachcombing and once picked up a large wooden crucifix wih a silver Christ on it. I decided that there must be more treasure on the beach so continued searching and found a brooch which I pocketed whithout much attention. The crucifix disappeared but when I took the brooch home, I discovered that it was gold with garnets in it - so I did find treasure that day on my magical beach. Twenty years on I'm still searching for the crucifix !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Where else in the world can you buy an Irn Bru cupcake - try them, they are PHENOMENAL
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has slowly grown around a volcano which is known as The Law, It last erupted 1.5 million years ago. The Law has a tunnel which runs through it. It used to be used for the railway to Newtyle.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The warmth and friendly people who are natural and kind. Live music scene, small independant retailers, vintage clothes shops, top quality hairy stylists, the history of the City which you can enjoy as you stroll throught the City Centre, the fact that its a City which is sourrounded by Sea, Sand and Country side.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The 'lets just get on and do it' attitude that has started to happen in Dundee's creative world. From Vanilla Ink to Tin Roof via Fleet Collective, Jam Collective and Rusty Hip - not to mention all the independent shops and cafes that are setting the foundations for the future retail economy of the city. Good work, lets keep it going.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an incredible array of highly detailed building facades - all one has to do is LOOK UP!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is this vibrant, buzzing, creative cosmopolitan hub, where there's culture, entertainment, education and leisure at one's fingertips. Yet it has havens of peacefulness too, in its parks, the Botanic Gardens, Magdalen Green. With its wonderful situation overlooking the Tay, and it's huge potential as a desirable destination to visit being helped along by major redevelopment, there is no question that Dundee is worthy of the title UK City of Culture 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's public art, it pops up and surprises you when you least expect it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee's long history of pioneering whole industries. Today many people think of DC Thomson as an institution of the city, but they almost single-handedly invented the global comics industry as we know it. Dundee's full of these sorts of inspiring stories, and that's why I'm backing the bid.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I support popular culture in the form of William McGonagall. How can he be the world's worst poet when his writing is still printed and repeated a century and a half after he wrote it? I keep finding nineteenth century 'poetry' that does not appear to scan so it is not the overwhelming criticism that is widely made by those who patronize him. His poetry should be celebrated without embarrassment. McGonagall, Beano and Dandy would make a good counterweight to more highbrow contributions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is set in an absolutely fantastic location, definitely one of the best in the UK - stunning views across the Tay and to the hills beyond.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people of Dundee are the most welcoming and Dundee is amazing :-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everything surprises me about Dundee. The resilience of the people, the beauty of the surroundings, the quality of the current vision for the City - Mostly though its the talent of the people; the music makers, artists, film makers, web designers, game designers, dancers, actors.....the list goes on and on. We produce, we create, we watch, we enable, we educate, we enjoy, we interact, we dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I like the way Dundee is renewing itself, learning from its past and creating beautiful, interesting places. I love attending events, knowing I will meet interesting people who have lived all their lives in Dundee and have a wealth of stories about the city. I love the history of Dundee women as outlined in the Women's Heritage Trail which shows women's creativity, imagination, enterprise and courage - qualities which have helped to make the city what it is today.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From the small grassroots voluntary arts organisations to the organisations, teams and Directors of the city's notable arts venues, to business that invests and sponsors culture in Dundee. Everyone has a voice and space to discuss, join in and start up. Its an inclusive city where art and culture are not out of bounds or highbrow, its open to anyone.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> You only have to look above shop level to see into Dundee's past. The city is full of the remnants of Dundee's colourful history from jute mills to architectural gems. There are so many interesting lives and stories hidden in the stonework from throughout Dundee's history waiting to be discovered.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a real and loveable second home to many students, like myself, who study here. I am in my second year at University here and I am still discovering new parts of Dundee and the countryside surrounding it. The view points particularly over the Tay from near the observatory at sun down are absolutely stunning and is one of my favourite places to be. There are many inspiring lecturers and mentors attached to the universities which make me proud to say that I am spending my student life here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people more than anything else. It's a thriving cultural place, people all lovely, helpful and so much going on. A small city with a real buzz
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much I miss about Dundee - I live near Aberdeen now and there is no comparison. The Rep, Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre, vibrant degree shows at Vision, walking thorough the City and feeling the energy and of course the music
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As someone who grew up on the other side of the Tay, Dundee was a quiet, slow burn for me. Once discovered, however, I loved the light, the people, the culture, the history, the new, and the magnificant river that reflects its glory and ambition.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From McGonagall to International Book Prize From Science Sensation to Arts Centre From Botanical Garden to Dens Park From yacht racing to ancient warship From Bell Rock Lighthouse to Balgay Observatory From Desperate Dan to Captain Scott From Championship Golf to Championship Curling From aerobatics over the Tay to freezing new year swims across the Tay From seals basking by the old bridge to skeins of geese above it From a visionary Repertory Company to world beating Cancer Researchers Are we A city of culture? No, we are THE City of Culture
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The most sunny city in Scotland has a lot to offer. Great walks, great pubs and a small enough city to walk from one end to the other and at least seeing one person to wave at.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There was a bookshop once, new to Dundee, but boy was that place embraced. Attracted a really varied cross section of the region &amp; everybody got involved. It was only as it was closing that it really hit home how much it had become part of the cultural fabric of the city - in reality it was only bricks &amp; mortar, it was the PEOPLE who made it such a great hub.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I remain struck by this rugged diamond of the North, a world class centre of education and research in the finest European traditions, embedded in local communities and business while reaching out to virtually every corner of the globe.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of Dundee's cultural hidden secrets - The Samuel Chorus, a friendly choir, rehearses on Wednesdays in Baptist Church Hall, Bright Street, Lochee, performs quality music twice yearly. Our concerts are on Sat. 27 April 2013 at 7pm in St Hary Magdalene's Episc, Church, Dundee and Sun. 28 April, in St John's Episc.Church, Forfar
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My strongest memories from growing up in Dundee are tangled in the city's wildlife, and the spaces that allow it to thrive. I loved feeding the ducks, and netting for stickle-backs at Stobsmuir Ponds, watching the annual transformation of tadpoles into frogs in Baxter Park, catching crickets in the long grass at the Den O'Mains, seeing lazy seals basking on the sand banks under the rail bridge over the Tay, watching peaceful herons resting in low branches over the Dighty Burn and visiting the stately swans at Broughty Ferry beach. The many beautiful parks and waterways in the city, and the beaches and walkways along our incredible river, provide spaces for wildlife to thrive and for our communities to come together. I think all Dundonians share a strong connection to the Tay, the Law, Camperdown and the parklands across the city. These places are woven into our group identity. While they aren't always stumbled upon by outsiders, they are an important part of our cultural heritage and yet another reason why Dundee is a brilliant place to live!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came to Dundee from San Francisco, California to get a masters degree that is not offered anywhere else in the world: a Msc in Design Ethnography. Dundee has fostered such a creative and trail blazing thought culture that its university offers one of a kind degrees and attracts people from the worlds' creative cities to come and live and learn there.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm often astonished by extraordinary architecture in our city centre streets, especially if you look upwards at the rooflines. Dundee has some magnificent buildings evoking earlier periods in our city's long and famous history.

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