We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

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> Small city, big influence
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The endless talent and enthusiasm of Dundee's young people never fails to amaze me. As an educator who has been resident in the city for almost 30 years, I am constantly encouraged and often overwhelmed by the talents displayed by our young musicians, dancers, actors and performers through a variety of events ranging from school/local concerts and shows (such as the fantastic DSMT productions and McIntosh Patrick Awards) to representing the city in national events such as the Edinburgh Festival and Rock Challenge - they are a credit to the city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have just arrived in Dundee . I find it to be a beautiful city- in many ways. The views you get over the River Tay are amazing. I enjoy walking around Dundee. The people in Dundeee are so nice and welcoming. I like the theates and the fact that dundee creatively pushes boundaries. I could definitely live here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city's aspect, the river, its bridges, the weather, but most of all its friendly and talented people.....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nearing my 21st birthday as a born and bred, living, working, studying Dundonian I love the endless adventuring that can be done within the city. Having a wee gander at the McManus, DCA or Hannah McClure Centre. Meandering up to the Campy, Baxter Park or Magdalen Green. Even venturing as far as the Ferry. The best thing is that having a nosey is in our nature and everyone is welcome to explore.
<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> The drama classes and workshops that the Rep Theatre offers - from young children to teenagers to adults and also for those with additional needs. We are so lucky in Dundee to have this - my friends in other cities are envious of what my kids have access to.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> World-class music events like the Jazz Festival where I saw the Esbjorn Svensson Trio, by far one of the best concerts of my life.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's historic roots are hugely important. Everywhere you go in the city you can catch a glimpse of fascinating parts of our history - you just need to know where to look. There's the group of five historic 16th Century houses in the High Street known as Gardyne's Land and the Wishart Arch which is built into a small surviving section of Dundee's 16th Century city wall. There's the award winning Verdant Works jute museum and Scott's historic Antarctic expedition ship Discovery. It also boasts the frigate HMS Unicorn which is the world's last intact warship from the days of sail, and the North Carr, Scotland's only surviving lightship.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The open attitude toward change and bringing culture into the city. Not many cities see culture as an important aspect of social life. People in Dundee are excited about change rather than being grumpy about even hearing that something new might happen.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's spirit. The people are so friendly, the atmosphere incredibly warm and welcoming, and the City as a whole is just such a wonderfully positively-spirited place to work, play and live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is situated in a beautiful location. Easy access to Angus Perth and fiFe. No other town I know of. Has such a perfect Location
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amasing river and extremely friendly people
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Perth road has the equivalent of my own local butchers and veg shop, where else do you get your own local village center within a big city?!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city has grown beyond the small university town it was just a couple of decades ago. The diversity and inclusiveness as well as the industry that has expanded Dundee into a city is just amazing and makes me proud of my Alma Mater.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Adhesive stamp &amp; Gardyne's Land. Merely 2 examples of our past.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Moving from Edinburgh to Dundee, many people wondered (including me at times) why I would want to leave such a beautiful, exciting and amazing city for a smaller, lesser (in some respects) city in Scotland. No regrets! Dundee may be smaller but has a bigger heart, fantastic people and has won me over! I will always love our capital but Dundee is the best city in Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has gone through an incredible creative regeneration. With the imminent arrival of V&amp;A, the refurbishment of McManus and a flourishing dance community, the city has an abundance of creativity. It's already a City of Discovery. A city ready and well poised to further discover it's creative future. Bring on the City of Culture!
<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> Dundee, one of the oldest cities in scotland has such rich heritage, and a fascinating history from back when it was just a small settlement between two hills. So many museums, fantastic art college, theatres, parks, the list is endless. Dundee deserves a bit of respect for the way it has been revitalised over the past 20 years amid the shutdown of industries and the emergence of new industries. People need to be encouraged to look again at Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wee seceret thats hidden away in Milton St.. My art studio ;)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> its that no matter where you are if you want a bit of quite space you will always find a bit of greenway anywere in the city
<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 history of Dundee speaks for itself. Since those illustrious days, it's had its fair share of critics but deep down I believe the nay-sayers are envious of Dundee's determination to strive forwards and fulfil its undoubted potential. Viva la Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is set in the most beautiful setting, students, gaming, history beyond belief, Jute, Jam, Journalism!! What more could I say. Beautiful beaches, Winston Churchill Lived here!! William Wallace went to school here and we have Olympic champions too
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Symphony Orchestra is full of committed, talented musicians who constantly challenge themselves with their 3 annual concerts, and receive enthusiastic support from their audience.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of Dundee's hidden attractions is Balgay Park. The park itself is lovely with beautiful walks through the trees an stunning views. There is also a Plant Trail walk up Balgay Hill leading to Mills Observatory which holds entertaining Planetarium shows and has several interesting objects related to space.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Renowned theatre, innovative youth theatre, spectacular dance events, poetry readings, talented local bands, lively music scene, book signings, new writing seminars, unexpected architecture round surprising corners, Hundreds (if not more) of artists in residence. new and original Film makers, comedy nights and comedy acts. Creativity run amok! And beautiful location!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Old Mill Snooker club in the city is a hidden gem where the full spectrum of Dundee citizens can be found in a friendly environment.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Castle Street is definitely a hidden secret with its old book shop, cheesery, cake shop, vintage shop and the colorful youth center just at the corner it is just lovely. A place not to be missed for sure!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee, for me, has always been a source of inspiration in terms of culture and creativity.
It always surprises me that; no matter where you are in the world, you'll always meet someone who been to, or knows someone from here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Simonanna weekly art classes for adults held in the wonderful Art Angel are a fabulous resource. Simon Reekie and Anna Orton facilitate a supportive and inspiring environment to enable exploration of the creative process.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What has struck me is the entrepreneurial culture - from life sciences to art, it can be seen all over the city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Agacan Perth Road been there for years or Zekis as it is know after the colourful artist owner, full of wonderful art, wonderful smells and wonderful food.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a multicultural town because of the different races and culture of people living in it. With two universities and one college, it offers a diverse community as students from different parts of the world choose to study in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is that the people here stand up for their city. They wont hear a bad thing about it. Like any city it has it's good and bad points but dundonian's are very protective and loyal.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people, through adversity they keep on going.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is gorgeous!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The University's Saturday Evening Lecture Series - where town and gown meet, with no pretensions!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We all know about the Three J's, but I only recently found out there's a hidden and covered-over network of old rail tunnels crossing the town. 14 years of living here and I still find new surprises.
<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> This is my home town. It always has been since I was born here. I left in the 60's to go to London but returned in the 70's after I married &amp; lived in London. I was desperate to leave Dundee when I was young but when I returned I really appreciated how much standards of living had improved, especially compared to London and the accesibility to the countyside wihout a queue of traffic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are wonderful, there is always something to do at the weekend and something to go see. A wonderful place to live and study.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The D'Arcy Thompson collection is amazing and something for Dundee to celebrate. I think more attention should be placed on the collection and the art works it inspires. What a great attraction.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the flowers....Dundee parks department does a great job with wonderful floral displays throughout the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Mennie's Bar (Sunday name is Speedwell Tavern) on Perth Road is a gem of a pub. Spent many happy hours in my youth being served by Mrs Mennie herself and her Manager Ian Thomson
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the variety, the accent and the friendliness of Dundee I was born in Dundee and for 55 years kept quiet about my birthplace now I want to shout it out I AM PROUD TO BE DUNDONIAN!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My husband is from Dundee. His pride in the city is so obvious whenever he talks of it. His passion when he talks about the music and history of the place (from Billy Mackenzie to to Cromwell's troops sacking the town in 1651!) makes me smile. A working class town that has always housed artists and dreamers and punched so far above it's weight when it comes to creativity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much has changed in the past 5 years and how much will change in the future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That you're never more than 6 feet away from a game developer.

And that there are so many opportunities for them to develop and flourish here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Seals barking on the sandbanks
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> After living in Dundee for over 30years the river continues to delight me. You can see it at the same time every day and it is never the same, weather , tide, time of year and light. It is so much an integral part of the city yet sets the city off. To the landward side of Dundee there are fantastic walks in the Sidlaws. Living in Dundee gives you the advantages of a city yet within 30 minutes drive you are in lovely countryside. An incredible combination.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's Dundee's long standing culture of ideas which prompts an unpretentious and stimulating art scene that continues to produce and be produced by imaginative and clear thinking individuals from all walks of life - a situation I've found to be inspiring and supportive since moving here in the 1990s and have seen gaining pace ever since.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I know where I am here, I'm comfortable, and although it can be annoying, it is quite a beautiful place
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What has surprised me recently about Dundee and makes me proud to be a Dundee boy, is our ability to realize and act upon our ever growing potential as one of Britain's main culture hub's.

With things like the West Fest charitable community culture festival that kicks off on the 18th of May aboard HM Frigate Unicorn. The festival harnesses and celebrates our many unique talents and attributes as a tight nit society!

It is things like this that makes me and many others love my home city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> for being so small there is loads to see we have done alot with what we have a deserve to win!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great location for walkers, runners and cyclists, productive and unique art and music scene, cosy corners in the phoenix and art bar, lovely wee tea and cake shops, great parks to explore on a sunny day, we get plenty here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everything!
<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> Unless you are from Dundee you might not always see it's name as being synonymous with music. You might struggle to hear the music in our accents and language. But when I think of home, I think of music. I grew up with a litany of bands past and present. I spent my weekends in bars and clubs seeing live bands. Dundee reeks of music, it's in the very stones. Songs have got us through hard times and good times. From a pakced out gig Blues Bonanza to a house party with a guitar it's who we are.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have an amazing memory of my grandparents house, Pitkerro House. It was the most amazing place when I was little. Every corner of the property was like being in wonderland and my grandparents where both amazing fun to be around. I only found out that my Grandad had bought and renovated the property after he passed away, but it amazed me how much love he had for the place and how it always buzzed when the whole family spent time together there. I miss those days.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee&#039;s musical community is diverse and ever changing but the scene&#039;s soul is, well... soul. Horns and big, big voices. One of my greatest ever nights out was dancing to Mafia in the Angus Thistle hotel at the age of 15 with my cousin Billy. And on a school night too. This wee city on this mighty Scottish river jumping to the best of american soul. God knows how but everyone knows why.
<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> Perth rd for drinks and food on a Friday after work. Taxi home at 10.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The collaborative and supporting atmosphere of the visual arts scene in Dundee is amazing. I have visited for various exhibitions, projects, fairs and talks and always felt an amazing energy, passion and commitment from everyone involved. Spaces like DCA, Generator Projects and Tin Roof are all doing great things and I'm really excited to see what new things spring up over the next 5 years.
<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> Proud to be from Dundee. A city with not only a rich past for creativity and culture but a vibrant future through 2017 and beyond.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's the combination of rootedness in its past with a progressive forward thinking attitude towards the future.

Dundee is enjoying a renaissance &amp; there are lots of exciting things happening in the city. From the amazing waterfront transformation to the exciting world class science &amp; medicine in the city linked to Dundee University. This learning city has 2 universities and Abertay is a trailblazer in computer games among other areas.

The 'cultural quarter', the creative energy, and the depth of all kinds of artistic expression in the city attracted the V&amp;A to choose Dundee above all other cities in the UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's diverse cultures, bonny buildings, welcoming and friendly people.
<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> 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> Growing up in Dundee in the 80's most of my school friends uprooted and left for the likes of Glasgow, Edinburgh or the bright lights south of the border. Dundee's renaissance over the past 30 years however is changing peoples view of the City supported by a World class University, World class Tourist Attractions, World class people...

Big Difference? Dundee is now a City to be proud of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Impromptu carol concert on the last bus home round Christmas time. Everyone a little tipsy but in a good natured way. One woman started to sing and before you knew it, everyone was singing along. Fantastic!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I first came to Dundee about 20 years ago, the city certainly did not look like much. But I've met some of the warmest people of my life there and fell in love with the place. Since then, the great people are still here, and the city has upgraded itself visually as well as culturally with a lot of cultural events and activities going on from high culture down to grass roots level. I keep coming back.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative hub that Dundee has become... What many people still don't know is that Dundee is a hot spot of creative talent waiting to be utilised. From the well known such as Hayley Scanlan, the DCA and Vanilla Ink, to the undergraduates at DJCAD who are always pushing the boundaries and ready for more. This is a clear reason for the V and A choosing Dundee as its scottish venue and a great reason for Dundee to become 2017 city of culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I often think about Dundee &amp; growing up there. We love to go back every couple of years, visit friends who as Dundonians are always very good to us. We are Canadians who love Scotland &amp; the people
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm always pleased to see so much activity to meet new people and discover what projects are happening. There is so much excitement to do with innovation and design. There are so many beautiful things that made so many creatives.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Legend has it that Jack the Ripper is buried under Bell Street... Last man to be hanged in Dundee... Allegedly....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich amount of history. Walk off any Main Street and find something. Eg. Cemetery in centre of town, law hill, verdant works, unicorn, Tay bridge. Wherever you go there is history shaping the city,
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Theatrical elements of the cultural life in Dundee only exist due to the hard working off stage volunteers (and staff) who spend time on committees, creating costumes, making scenery, dealing with the admin, fundraising, marketing and lots of other tasks.  They are often under appreciated.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The law,a place you can see all dundee. The Bonney bits and the not so Bonney bits
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> what surprises me is how often I'm surprised. A pub I went into for a bar lunch had a poster up about live music sessions. My wife and I went back out of curiosity and were amazed at the quality of the performances, and surprised to find that we were not the only middle aged people there and surrounded by young things! the crowd was really mixed and enthusiastic, and the programme for the next few weeks looked really eclectic covering a wide range of music tastes. We live outside Dundee but still rely on Dundee for music and drama - and it never lets us down.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was surprised how much cricket goes on in Dundee and the surrounding area. There are four clubs in Dundee alone, and some really nice grounds. Back Dundee and back grass-roots cricket!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved back to Dundee three years ago after spending 10 years away and am finally appreciating how artistically, culturally and musically vibrant the city is. In a relatively small city local talent is on display everywhere- the DCA, The Rep, McManus Galleries, Clarks, The Art Bar, Dukes Corner, Duncan of Jordanstone, Westfest, Literary Dundee, the Gardyne Theatre, etc, etc.The buzz around the V&amp;A is amazing in the city, and makes me proud to be Dundonian!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee International Women's Centre is the only multi-ethnic centre for women of its kind in Scotland. They bring people from many cultures together with classes and activities, provide education, training, social oportunities and information to women who would otherwise not be able to access them. It has to be one of the happiest places in the city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have grown not to be surprised but to relish the amount of creativity this city fosters. From the art school and far beyond. The initiatives, artist run spaces, music, collectives and individual driving forces who make this city their home and make it amazing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The changing nature of the scenery every day as the tide ebbs and flows on the River Tay. Very few cities provide such uninterrupted views of such scenic beauty.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What suprises me? -the people! The people of Dundee really do make the city. Because of its size there are familiar faces at most events but a lot of new ones too - the Dundee natives are a friendly bunch and are slowly but surely changing the attitudes of people who think of the city as a poor relation with nothing going on. We have a lot to shout about!
<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> While it has its fair share of High Street stores, Dundee is also home to some lovely independent shops; Groucho's Record Store is a firm favourite, while BECO and Missy La La's offer the finest attire for the fashion forward. Additionally there are many lovely cafes and restaurants to choose from in the city centre and along the Perth Road, and you can't walk down the street without meeting someone you know; its like living in a huge village!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so much to offer. I love the Agacan on the Perth Road. Simple, uncomplicated Turkish food with the bonus of massive portions. It's like a little section of Turkey tucked away on the bohemian Perth Road.
<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> The friendly, generous spirit of the people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee City Council's Instrumental Music Service is an amazing programme. It educates pupils in musicianship and in performance of an instrument of their choice. The instructors are of the highest calibre, many of them having been professional performers, and pupils are actively encouraged to take part in ensembles. I, personally, have made my best friends. The service has shaped who I am as a person and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity it provided me with. It is definitely a 'hidden gem'.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is forward thinking in their ideas about what is best for the city. The work on the river front has been a great change for the aesthetics of the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always celebrated its past but its brilliant to see it now also celebrating its future!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The music scene is second to none in Dundee. So many versatile and hugely talented bands and individuals who contribute to many artistic streams within the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Pulling off yet another Dundee Womens festival, most probably the largest and most varied women's festival in the UK, by harnessing the strengths, talents, enthusiasm, creativity and generosity of the community, that is Dundee. Celebrating women's culture, women's stories, women's wisdom, women's identities and women's lives.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I spent 4 years in Dundee at university and discovered what a beautiful city it is. Everyone is welcoming.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Community involvement which takes a pride in it's heritage and culture such as Whitfield Community Centre , in the middle of a peripheral housing scheme, which was recently involved in an arts production in collaboration with Dundee Rep. This included drama, dance and a choral performance. Each performance was sold out and supported well by the Dundee public.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich legacy of Scottish traditional music being played every week by local musicians at The Fisherman's Tavern in Broughty Ferry (on Thursdays) and Mennies (The Speedwell Bar) on the Perth Road(on Tuesdays). This community of local musicians also supports the Tayside Young Fiddlers and leaders like fiddler, Karen Hannah, and piper Kyle Howie, teach and organize traditional music concerts at The Dundee Library in the beautiful Wighton Heritage Centre http://www.leisureandculturedundee.com/library/wighton. Scottish traditional music is strong in Dundee and led by young talented pipers, unusual in Scottish session culture which is often led by fiddlers.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Templeton Woods, one of many public outdoor spaces in and near Dundee, is a wonderful place with fun artwork
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee offered the framework and opportunities for me to go from college, to university, to a dream career as a game designer. I've been able to study and work in the city I was born in. It's allowed me to live and work in another country and also return again because of the amazing opportunities available.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The innovative, DIY attitude!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived abroad on several occasions but always return home. I love the fact that I can walk everywhere, that it is a safe city especially for females and that with the new impetus of the V&amp;A and investment Dundonians of all ages are supporting this bid.
I believe we have medico-science facilities second to none. An innovative Games industry.
As I am now a senior Dundee looks after me very well with marvellous fitness facilities.
The Dundee Rep Theatre is one of Scotland's best and the DCA offers a wide range of films, displays, workshops etc. Dundee to win.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its History
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> City of nature. Lush green, fantastic landscapes, stunning views of Tay from every corner of city. A city for nature lovers.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The whole city never fails to amaze you with its scenic views and great atmosphere, as well as the wonderful University (Dundee)

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