:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

Dundee is about to have its first historical anthology of poetry – ‘Whaleback City’ (from Dundee University Press). The broad sweep of Dundee’s history, people and gegraphy has been represented in poetry since the 16th century, and this book will chronicle all of it through the words of Sir Walter Scott, Wiliam McGonagall, Joseph Lee, Don Paterson, Douglas Dunn, W N Herbert and many others.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> McManus Awards - we award this to a senior pupil in Dundee Secondary Schools for the work they have done to contribute to the ongoing citizenship of Dundee - always amazes us - the extent of our young people's talents is immense.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I lived in Dundee for a year. Its a peaceful city with full of awesomeness. Bicycling around the city and nearby places was something I loved and I did quiet often when I was there. To be more specific, walking/cycling towards the Tay Port was always been a pleasure to me.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Discovering foody gems like 'The Cheesery' and 'T-Ann Cake' both on Exchange Street just a few hundred yards off the High Street.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The views from so many angles are amazing. Both looking in and looking outwards. The struggles too, of many people such as my Granny who worked in the Jute Mills and the struggles too, of many today who can't find work, but keep striving despite the setbacks. It's not just the views, but the people. Their determinism to help others, even when they have so little, brings out the best. I've seen it often in the most surprising places.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I recently moved here as an intern in the University of Dundee Museum Services. I am delighted to be part of a city with so much culture, and I was surprised at the amount of history and culture Dundee has. Knowing hardly anything about the city, I look forward to learning all there is to know (if that's even possible!)

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sunshine, and endless summer days of digging our allotment up on the Law, enjoying a BBQ and the amazing view over to Fife...

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always been a place where people just do it, just make art, just make culture happen, just work together, just get on with bringing art to the city in new ways with funding or without. The energy and vibrancy of the like of Generator, Yuk and Yum, and Duncan of Jordanstone and countless other initiatives large and small have shown that over the years. Whether it wins the bid or not, Dundee will be a city of culture in 2017, and every year. Good luck!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> we have the closest 2 football teams in the world. and dundee united are the only team in europe to have beaten barcelona everytime that we have played them in europe

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have everything on our multi culture doorstep, from comics, to culture, cutting edge fashion & technology, great pubs and clubs, Reading Rooms, and the obligatory Jam Jute and Journalism :)

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the DCA

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The green spaces, the parks and grassy fields inside the city. The ease of access to open countryside and stunning views. Fife looks great from Dundee!

The great variety of shops and cafés in the city. I appreciate the large number of independent coffee-houses as well as the bigger brands.

The history of innovation and scientific discovery, coupled with the more well-known comic book element make Dundee unique. The centres of learning do a great job of sending out folks well-prepared for professional life.

It's a lovely city with great potential!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The way it has constantly evolved as the traditional industries have changed with the times.
Lots of hidden secrets,some well known assets.
The rich musical heritage furthered by talented singers,songwriters and performers who just want to share their particular talent with people,not for riches.
The Finlathen aquaduct a hidden listed building taken for granted but an important reminder of a rich industrial past.Also a well known local battleground for the various"tribes".

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am constantly surprised by additional facts about Dundee and Dundonians; from the Neolithic to the space age, Dundee has hidden its light under a bushel, and needs to be recognised for the amazing place it is.

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

<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> The hidden beauty of a past industrial city surprises me every day. I am new to the city, having chosen to study in Dundee over the other cities that the UK has to offer, and every time I travel I am stunned by the beauty that the city has.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city's culture is about diversity. We have an award winning professional theatre company who also involve the people of the city through their outreach programmes, and provide the opportunity for amateurs to perform on the professional stage.

The city's pubs also provide many local and touring groups the opportunity to play every weekend - the choice and the quality is excellent, especially during Dundee Blues Bonanza.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design annual Degree Show at the University of Dundee. What a fantastic art and design teaching ethos and culture that exists within this Dundee institution to produce this showcase of talent each year.

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

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> This is an exciting time for Dundee and I look forward to the completion of the waterfront development and of course the V&A. I actually live across in Fife but look upon Dundee every morning as I come over the bridge and have always said 'Dundee looks beautiful from across the water'

<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> How the city is able to retain its own depth of character drawn from its own cultural heritage whilst steadily and creatively adapting to the changes brought about by this modern age.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The music scene is great!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's proximity to the beach at Broughty Ferry and the wildness of the Angus Glens (and mountains!) The friendliness of the people and the number of different things available to do with my children on rainy days. Even though I have never lived there, (my extended family did and still does) every time I visit it feels like a homecoming!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The humour and resilience of the people from Dundee. A sometimes self-depreciating fondness and pride of where we are from, despite the fact it has gone through some hard times Coming into Dundee from Fife, the city has a presence about it. Left 10 years ago, and would move back tomorrow if I could. And Goodfellows chocolate violets are my favourite thing in the world!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I visit my family every year and every time I come back to the city it's buzzing. There's always something new to see, the landscape changes every year for the better. There's some fantastic restaurants and everyone is really friendly.

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

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee City Council's Housing Support Team.
We are still fairly unknown even by our tenants but can help with a wide range of problems to do with people's tenancies

<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> Having never stepped foot in the city until my first day at University I had no idea what to expect, but the friendliness and welcoming attitude got me straight away, 11 years later I feel like Dundee is home, and I am very excited about what my future holds living in this ever developing city. The open spaces in Dundee are great, you never feel enclosed. With such easy access to beautiful countryside, beaches, hills and forests, why would you need to live anywhere else?

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Beautiful situation and Dundee Contemporary Arts - fantastic venue, fantastic atmosphere, amazing works of art, and workshops. Lucky Dundee!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is nowhere to compare with Dundee's situation overlooking the Tay , the walk from the Ferry up to the docks, along the river front.

<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> The waterfront location an view over the two bridges is stunning and so unique. It has variety of different architectural styles such as old mills and unique cosy geogrian style flats.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> went to dundee to see the leonardo exhibition. it was wonderful but I was surprised at how wonderful the city was also. go Dundee!

$Q) What surprises you about the city? <hr>A) Word on the Pavey - surrealist self deprecating Dundonian humour sung by a big chap called St Andrews produced by the late great Michael Marra - Dundonians internationally now share snippets like a secret handshake - a rendition of an \"inganingana\" checks you really are the genuine Dundee article !$

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For a city of its size, Dundee punches well above its weight - for good and the bad. While there are many problems to solve, thankfully the great cultural and social movements underway in the city are driving change on a scale that could have real positive impact.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It has so much to offer from historic interests right through to creative arts (games design companies) whilst having two internationally recognised universities making the city known far and wide.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee went into an industrial nosedive in the 1970s, which I remember well. After many painful years it has emerged as a vibrant university town humming with energy, youth and ideas. It is wonderful to see old jute mills converted to artists' studios, to visit a refurbished McManus, to eat at the DCA and the Rep. The waterfront project is well under way, as is a physic garden being constructed by volunteers at Ninewells. Energy is the word !

<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 is an underdog, but if you ever lived there - you would see its potential is sky high.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I arrive back at the City i am always blown away by the approach and setting of the City on the Tay Estuary. Simply stunning!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The observatory: it's a trully remarkable place near the city centre. Also, the city should probably include St. Andrews and the rest of the region, since that would certainly help get more attention.

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

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From the first time I visited Dundee (2010) it felt it had something magical about it. I have lived there since 2010 and it still does have that magic. It still manages to surprise me every time I go for a walk along the riverside. I am a Fine Art student at DJCAD and i can proudly say that student life is great and I love the university of Dundee. I have taken a couple of images that have managed to portray its beauty and at the same time some of its history.

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