We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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love all the green open spaces – there is so much to do!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> MENZIESHILL
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> that no matter what high spot you are standing on in Dundee we have the most stunning views surrounding us from the view across the tay to the sidlaws at the back .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Mills Observatory.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The location is amazing - surrounded by both inland coastal delights
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Apart from the obvious spots like The Law Hill, McManus Galleries, Sensation and The DCA. I am always in awe of sheer natural beauty of Dundee's many Parks and green spaces. They are not just places of stunning natural beauty but full of exciting things to do for everyone, regardless of age. The Wildlife Centre at Camperdown, the new sports hall and Pavillion in Baxter Park and the skatepark at Dudhope Park are just a few examples of the outstanding facilities on offer either free or at low cost. We embrace all cultures and encourage diversity, growth and free thinking.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the only women's trail of its kind in the whole of the UK. You can get the free leaflet and talk a walk from plaque to plaque round the city centre, marvelling at the interesting lives and achievements of 25 notable women, and then go home and read of many more on the website dundeewomenstrail.org.uk. This is a city which has been known for its strong women. Doctors, witches, artists, mill workers, Suffragettes and business women - they're all here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The DightyConnect project (a sub-division of Broughty Ferry Environmental Project) which for the past few years has involved people along the Dighty from the Ferry to Kirkton in a variety of activities: planting wild flowers &amp; trees, gardening, mosaics, poetry writing, dramatic performances, decorating bridges, studying plants &amp; wildlife, foraging, industrial archaeology, geology, assorted artwork... the list goes on. Check out the website!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Lots of hidden design talent springing from djcad
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of investment being put into Dundee,is incredible! About time Dundee was given a boost, can't wait to see the finished waterfront. Go Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazingly beautiful and varied doors on the old buildings!! I keep finding another and another. This city is full of beautiful and quirky architecture. I also love the 'drawbridges' on many of the houses on the south side of Perth Road.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great place to live. It has a wonderful collection of moods as the seasons and activities changes. Love the dolphins, sailing, students, schools and youth activities. So many clubs and societies with engaging activities at every corner. The University Library will love to create an even wider set of activities for the City of Culture
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is full of surprises (for those who don't yet fully understand how wonderfully vibrant our wee city actually is!) There is a huge amount of creative and cultural activity happening all over the city... you just have to be dedicated to seeking it out! And if there's something in particular that you think should be happening in the city, whether that's a new club night or a new Japanese restaurant ;) ... then there is a strong network and a huge amount of energy and enthusiasm around to support new ideas and put them in to action!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendly People
new independant shops opening

Events - Free Dundee Uni lectures on a Saturday
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What doesn't surprise me about Dundee? As an 'incomer' 19 years ago what struck me then and now is the never ending enthusiasm of the people, the fantastic natural surroundings, the long term vision for the place and its proximity to nature, wild places and other cities. The creative talent in the City is amazing from musicians, film makers, dancers, games developers, artists, actors, theatre groups..... I could go on.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The castle in Broughty Ferry. It houses a surprisingly strong collection of Scottish art - not what you'd expect from a pretty random tower by the beach!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee city is Scotlands best kept secret . With stunning backdrop, vantage points &amp; fantastic history.
We should have a looking up day with that much architecture to feed the soul.
Its no wonder Dundee isone of the top student choices. With top clubs and Djs and pubs with character and a thriving Celtic Culture in abundance. if you want to visit a real Scottish city come to Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am always surprised by how beautiful and vibrant this city is and i have lived here all my life so far. I also studied in Duncan of Jordanstone a really breeding ground for creative thinking. I now teach in a local High school, and have observed over the last few years how the pupils attitudes to their city have changed for the better. The whole atmosphere is becoming more confident and ambitious and hopefully greater things are still to come! Go Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Came to Dundee as a student in 1993 and decided to make it home - a small, friendly City with an abundance to do and entertain - from theatre at the Rep, to events for the whole family at the DCA and McManus Galleries. Whether your passion is for music, film, science, art, theatre or literature, there is something for everyone in this wonderful little city.
<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> Dundee has developed a wow factor!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Don't let the reputation fool you. It's way out of date. Dundee was my home for 2011 and 2012 and I enjoyed every minute of it. A beautiful setting for a city looking out across the silvery Tay. I met many good people and the town inspired me to be successful. A part of me will always be from Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a student I was struck by the friendliness of the people of Dundee and that while it has had its deprived past, the city is definitely changing for the better and is on its way up
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The first thing that surprised and delighted me about Dundee was that it still has many of its old buildings and cobbled streets. It has a strong sense of history, but not in a way that holds it back. The historic city is cherished and involved, without sacrificing the space the new city needs to flourish.
Besides that, the support for the arts is obvious all over. This is most obvious in the city centre, and makes the space one that people care about - it's rare to find bollards, lamp-posts, benches and notice-boards that are all designed to be “nicer than they have to be" (to quote a friend).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> Its readiness to change
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> people are all very friendly.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The seals on the riverbank under the rail bridge, the amazing work and environment at Maggie's Centre, the golden light in the early morning and the fantastic views across the Tay from so many unexpected places, the Beano sculptures in City Square, the awesome organ in the Caird Hall and the talent of the actors and designers at Dundee Rep, the excellent standard of music at Bell Street, the Dundee Symphony Orchestra and the exciting art and design at Duncan of Jordanstone. Dundee is a real mix - from proud and special Graduation ceremonies celebrating student achievement to quiet everyday efforts to improve the lives of people who are really in need, through projects like the Steeple Parish Nursing project and DD1 network.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having recently moved to England it's lovely to hear people I meet speak about the Beano, as many members of my family worked at DC Thomson.
I think it's amazing that the Beano and other comics are still so popular and loved on such a wide scale.
<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> River views and only 5 minutes. From beautiful countryside.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The light. This city is full of greenspace and trees resulting in an amazing light and freshness. I moved here in 2001 and do not see myself living anywhere else as everything is available on our doorstep. You have open spaces, shops, entertainment and above all the people, they are friendly and funny, all with stories of the rich history of the city. Our allotment is an environment in where we feel a real connection with where we are in location and in our lives.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fact that we are so central in Scotland and can reach Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen within 90 minutes maximum. We are a city of culture and science and this is improved upon on a daily basis. I am so looking forward to the waterfront being finished and the new V&amp;A building. Love Dundee. Look forward to my 2-year old reaping the benefit.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Climbing the monkey puzzle tree in Camperdown, 40 years ago and now watching my children do the same
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I lived in Dundee for 4 years as a student. It is truly wonderful and inspirational,made all the better by the Dundonians themselves,who I consider contributed to making me the person I am now more than my degree!! - Dundee and all those Dundonians who made my life wonderful will always have a big place in my heart!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> culture in the city is for ordinary people, not just the elite
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Tay, at any time of day. Sunrise, sunset, night-time... I can't count the number of times I've stopped, in awe, to look at it.
It's totally under-rated; and absolutely beautiful.

DJCAD, too. I'm having the best time of my life at art school in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty Ferry Beach - minutes from the City Centre
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creativity and buzz around the University's College of Art &amp; Design, DJCAD
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a qualities that it doesn't boast about. It doesn't boast about the beautiful river, parks, buildings, people and even the wonderful weather. The people of Dundee are amazing and every day you meet someone interesting and talented. We ned to blow our own trumpets more.
As you walk around Dundee you see the most amazing buildings and art which you miss because they are a bit tired - give Dundee a polish.
Dundee has so many famous and talented artists show them off.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the way that you can escape the bustle when you need too - beautiful, quiet places are sometimes only a walk away.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city has undergone so many changes over the years and is now finally heading in the right direction,the people are very proud of they,re city,and rightly so,
Dundee has many firsts,the first radio broadcast,the first place in the world to abolish slavery 55 years before any other city or town,many firsts in medicine,i could go on,take a bow Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a group, event or club for just about anything you can imagine.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My favourite thing is doing the penguin puppet show at the boat (Discovery). Katherine 4 and a half
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The resilience of the city and the people - we keep geting knocked down and we still show a unity to keep going until we succeed.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the way they are re-developing the City's waterfront - traffic a serious pain however it will all be worth it in the end. Majority of Dundee citizens are kind and considerate people and are very generous with local charities as well as national ones, particularly Charlie Kean. The culture within the city is growing all the time which makes me proud to be a Dundonian!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ongoing surprises is what surprises the most. Events never end, the town centre frequently gets busy with what's new for the people to be a part of and not just see.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Two aspects of Dundee do it for me. Firstly the youthful feel to the city. Evidenced by the welcome exuberance of the student population of the city; and secondly the architectural gems that are dotted about the city and are chanced upon quite often by accident.
<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> Dundee city is the safest city in all scotland and it is very clean and quite...it can be classified the one of first five cities in UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's history and how it has constantly been trying to build itself up to be a more positive place
<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> Dundee has an amazing variety of people, with tonnes of things going on all the time: I'm repeatedly surprised to find out about all the music, art, innovation and imagination seeping out of our city's pores!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The level of excellence both universities have fostered in a diverse range of areas combined with the foresight to create an environment that supports continued betterment of the city and those that live in it is a glorious virtuous cycle.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee University campus holds an incredible vibe about it. I remember first starting university and being completely awed by the atmosphere always surrounding the campus and the community spirit of the university. Whether it's your freshers week, a random night out, or even cramming at the library, the fact that all the uni's institutions are contained in this one campus means the place has a constant buzz about it. I doubt there's many other universities that hold the same exciting atmosphere.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a teenager Dundee Contemporary Arts was my first experience of seeing a contemporary art exhibition. I still remember first setting foot in the wonderful galleries and how intrigued I was. A few years later I was excepted into art college. I vividly remember nattering on about several of DCA's exhibitions in my interview.

A few years later I was lucky enough to work at DCA. From here I discovered an organisation always striving to bring the best of the visual arts to the city while continuing to welcome as diverse an audience as possible. Every year it introduces many more young people to the possibilities of the visual arts through its excellent education, cinema and gallery programmes. DCA is there for you from the beginning. Its brilliant.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> - Braithwaite's tea and coffee shop in Castle St
- Summer Sunday free brass band concert at Magdalen Green followed by drinks and food from one or more of the many bars and restaurants on Perth Rd
- The brilliant Dundee Blues Bonanza .... It introduced Home Bargains and the TJ Morris Company to the city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Rusty Hip is a Dundonian music collective that organizes gigs, writes zines and keep people informed about upcoming music and art events in the city. Rusty Hip had their first event last month and over 250 people turned up in the freezing cold to have a good time. The event was held in Tin Roof, an arts collective and studio space also based in Dundee. The existence of these two organisations has added to the growing number of organisations that make Dundee a city full of culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Literary festival brings a terrific selection of authors to the city every October.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a wonderful city that is thriving with the ongoing development work at the Central Waterfront and other associated building works. The railway station is receiving a major overhaul and new hotels are sprouting up across the city. with the V&amp;A museum soon to be built alongside our flagship The Discovery people will be flocking in their thousands to see our city and whats on offer. The time is right for the Dundee to be the City of Culture 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are a number of extremely talented amateur dramatic and musical groups and societies in the city. Dundee Rep boasts an excellent professional repertory company which, I believe, is unique in Scotland and rare in the UK as a whole.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sense of community that springs from nowhere in face of difficulties. The overwhelming positivity of community activists who will almost stop at nothing to improve their local area: see the local school or park get a new playground, tidy up the local burn, pull together to help people through difficulties, and generally have a good laugh while doing it all!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Always busy in Dundee--family events all year round, theatre, outdoor, sport...if only there were more days in the week. So many shows to see, exhibitions to visit, alone, with children or groups...Dundee offers it all on my doorstep! I wake up to the vista that is the beautiful Tay, flanked by unique bridges and city architecture..a joy to cross that river into the heart of a city, minutes away for miles of pleasure.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Literary Festival. Something for all ages and supporting reading.
<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> There's something very human about Dundee. A grey mass of stone and concrete which is filled with people going about their lives. It's the minimum viable city.
<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> You can just go 1 mile outside of dundee,
then you are suddenly in the countryside,
with veiws which are amazing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Community spirit is really coming back.  Great groups/sessions in Finmill Community  Centre and Whitfield Community Centre.  Also Skillshare.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Amanda Lowson at Dundee Reps community division. I remember her excitement on the day of her interview; 20 years on she is still a bundle of enthusiasm and excitement which never fails to inspire every adult and child she has contact with. Folk grow taller around her! Definitely one of Dundee's best kept secrets :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have always been surprised by the richness, diversity and quality of the Dundee music scene. I was brought up in Arbroath so when I was a young teenager, it was difficult to get to Glasgow and Edinburgh for gigs. However, I was never deprived of music as a result of this. I was always just a short bus ride away from experiencing my favourite bands or hearing incredible new live music, be it in small pubs or larger venues. I eventually went on to study in the city, and although I will graduate and leave Dundee this year, it will always hold a special place in my heart as the city that nurtured my love of music.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A quite lovely nice city, warm studying atmosphere. close facilities to students, universities of good worldwide reputation. Dundonians are so kind and lovely, they welcome internationals and give them the real feel of home. love you Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am a student at the University of Dundee, and I have lived and visited various cities in the UK are all good, but Dundee characterized by cohesion between its friendly population. I felt like I was home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Compared to other cities Dundee is very clean and litter free. The crocuses that come up in the middle of the roundabouts as well as all the daffodils on Magdalen Green and the Marie Curie Field of Hope (among other places) mean that Dundee always looks nice and well cared for. The fact that the people are friendly as well means that Dundee is a great place to visit.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Incredible Roll Inn on Whitehall Crescent, just a stones thow away from the new Waterfront Development and Neighbour to the Malmaison Hotel is a sandwich bar with a difference. Come try our tasty treats!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of talent that originates from home grown routes right here in the city and makes an impact both within the city and world wide. The potential and capability of the people is extremely inspiring and should challenge us all to work harder.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The views across the city and across the Tay are ever-changing and always inspiring. I'm sure few outsiders would think of Dundee as a beautiful city, but everyone who's been here knows.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Fireworks night fireworks! An amazing display and a great place for people to come together. They always mark the start of a special time in the year and I look forward to seeing them again this year.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Working in Dundee for the past 6 years I have noticed positive efforts to change the face of the city. This has been, on the whole, embraced by residents re-enforcing pride in where they live. Speaking to a number of residents, I have noted a growing wish to be more involved in how the improvements can be sustained and used in promoting Dundee as a progressive, thriving city moving with the times, and in many opinions exceeding expectation.
<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> Dundee is a city of paradoxes and contrasts. Whatever mood you're in or whatever you fancy to do.......Dundee will have a place to suit, to suprise and to inspire. All of this within an ultra-compact city form set in a stunning landscape and seascape.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The miniature bandstand on the Perth Road
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an abundance of amateur musical theatre, music and drama groups offering a multitude of opportunities for young people and adults to perform.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Much more to see and do in Dundee than people realise. I love to watch the seals on the sandbanks near the bridges when the tide is out.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have always loved this city. When outsiders talked it down I always talked it up as they did not know the city as I do. I really enjoy the Blues Festival every year. No matter where you go, you always meet someone you know. Dundee is really a great city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I loved Dundee ever since my girlfriend went there for Uni.
I love the city people are lovely and I love a good walk along the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Waterfront project is a huge demonstration of confidence in Dundee's future and has already drawn significant investment into the city. V&amp;A at Dundee is a project that will, like DCA in 1999, change the perception of Dundee as a major centre of culture. The Waterfront project demonstrates the value of a visionary approach to both physical infrastructure and the importance of culture as a means of achieving economic and social regeneration. I'm confident that Dundee Waterfront will continue to surprise people for many years to come.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Fabric Mill at Halley Stevensons . This mill at Baltic Works now supports creative endeavours by supplying a huge range of fabrics for designers and artists. Hidden away amoungst the old mills it is a gem .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is full of nice places to visit, rest or enjoy for a walk if you want, but its best asset is the people.  Dundee is full of people from different culture and being French I felt integrated very quickly because this is what this city is about: People with great heart. I am regularly dancing Indian dances at the Bharatiya Ashram and  I am learning painting with a local artist John Stoa and I think that I could not combine so many arts activities elsewhere than In Dundee – Great  city of Culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is hugely respected outside of Scotland and even outside the United Kingdom for the strength of our scientists. We are on the map for our intellectual contributions of the world and this will continue and grow our the coming years!
<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> Never has a more creative city hidden its talents so well. Whether it be artists, jewellery designers, photographers, fashion designers, writers, food producers or dancers, Dundee has it all and more. A Scottish Montmartre... I would say it's time for the rest of the United Kingdom to hear about this secret of a city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I don't think people understand the sheer level of creative ability that derives from DJCAD each year. Making the move to Dundee from Northern Ireland 4 years ago has been the best thing for me as a creative individual. The people make the city. They are the culture and they are the future. I feel privileged to have been part of a thriving art school, so much so that I'm basing my final year 'Interior + Environmental Design' Degree Show project on the prospect of a design graduate event space on Dundee's very own Tay Road Bridge, that would exist not only as an cultural and creative interface for DJCAD, but to commemorate the desired '2017 City of Culture' status.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In Novemeber, I was involved in, and attended the launch of Hayley Scanlan's first fashion collection. The event was at the McManus Galleries.

To see someone from here moving up and gradually becoming a global name in the world of fashion is great for Dundee. It shows the creative side of our city, which may be (unfairly) overshadowed by other which are more normally associated with the arts and creative industries. I.e. Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland and the usual ones south of the border.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green - an inspiring open space that overlooks the ever changing river. A great place for meeting folk, exercise and relaxation.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A city of culture set in beautiful scenery, all the people are incredibly friendly!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's so vibrant and focussed on the future, not the past.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The negative attitude of some Dundonians about the aspirations of this great city. Wake up, smell the coffee and see all the great things happening here.
<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> How at home I felt since day one. Everyone is welcome, everyone is family and most of all, almost every country is represented in Dundee University, thanks to the variety of students.
<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> The dogs in the Campbeltown Bar, secret gigs at the Tin Roof Art studio or the recycling center, the stenciled graffiti that pops up every now and again.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Since returning to Dundee after an absence of 30 years I have been truly amazed at the can do attitude of the people here and the extraordinary determination to transform the city, which despite all the challenges, is bearing fruit. What is being achieved by Dundee is an example for all to follow and if awarded UK City of Culture status will fully merit the honour and Dundee will do justice to it benefiting not just Dundee and its surrounds but all of the UK. I've worked in cities round the world but none have the spirit of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Language, vibe, situation
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The walking distance between Tannandice and Dens.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The daffodils in springtime! The first year I moved to Dundee they were a joy to behold after my first Scottish winter.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Walking down from Tin Roof, Generator, and the art school to have a pint and lively discussion at the Art Bar... perhaps stopping by DCA or the Rep later. Most of the cultural spots in Dundee are within easy walking distance of each other, creating a fantastic friendly atmosphere where you will probably bump into someone you know along the way.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is always a buzz about Dundee, even when the university students are not in town. There's always something different to do, from the University saturday eveing lecture series, to local events and bands, sports events. We are fortunate to have Dundee Contemporary Arts with a rich variety on offer and our Repertory theatre. A few minutes in any direction you are in countryside and there is a great cycle path around the city and great cycling and walking to be had nearby too. We have great bars and restuarants too. It's a great place to live and socialise.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I lived in Dundee for years - in good times and in bad times. I have seen people struggle through periods of immense poverty and deprivation and yet been amazed at the way they have helped to change and rejuvenate the city - through their belief in the place and their determination . I remember the singer/songwriter Michael Marra as an inspirational voice of the people and "Witch's Blood" as an incredible example of a life changing community arts project that is still remember 26 years after it was produced'

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