:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

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> A small city with a big image: Universities, hospitals, museums, music, films, sport, hotels, restaurants, shopping, transport, bingo, discos, nightclubs, theatres, workshops, Dundee holds its own with other cities. But there are also beautiful flowerbeds and gardens, beaches and castles. Dolphins and seals swim before us and the Aurora Borealis lights the skies. Dundee has produced too many famous people to list here. Visitors are always surprised at the diversity of culture in this warm-hearted and generous city. I love it.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing location of the city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Driving across the Tay Bridge, Dundee is a beautiful sight. It is a vibrant, friendly city with great community spirit.

<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> With the whole country in what feels like a downward spiral of negativity, Dundee seems to buck that trend just now and there is a real sense of optimism. The physical transformation of the city undoubtedly contributes to a positive mindset, but in this case the mindset seems to be based on more than just bricks and mortar. Open minds, and a belief that things can be better if you are willing to work to make them better are setting the city up nicely for a great future which does justice to its great history.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Andrew Wighton bequeathed one of the world's finest collections of Scottish national and traditional music to the City in 1861. It has been preserved by the Council in the Central Library and the music is performed regularly by Friends of Wighton.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Although it is an established cultural asset, as a foreigner to Dundee I was surprised to find such an amazing cultural institution such as the DCA! But Dundee has many surprises in store, be it the whimisical statues on High Street or the art that surrounds you on campus buildings on a daily basis. Dundee is full of culture but never does it loose its rooting with its people and pretend it is something it isn't. That degree of down-to-earth-ness is surprising for a cultural city!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Architecture, which is a mixture of neo-classical, Victorian and Modern ... you only have to raise your eyes in Dundee, past the shop fronts and detritus of modern living to be amazed by the detail and beauty of the city's buildings!
Not only that but Dundee's commitment to the Arts is represented by the DCA and the literary festival and by students and gradates of the numerous arts programmes that the city hosts. With the coming of the V&A I can only see Dundee's Cultural future is set to grow and grow

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history of Dundee is amazing. Gardynes land in the high street was always for me Dundees best kept secret,however when doors open day in Dundee comes about I'm always amazed at the other hidden treasures Dundee has to offer. As a several generation Dundonian born and bred, I am extremely proud of my culture and heritage. Whether it be the law or the auld steeple Dundee stands proud, as do I.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee rep have been at the leading edge of regional theatre for as long as I can remember. I grew up with so many great productions that I didn't realise how special they were and how lucky I was until I moved away from the city. It's not so much a hidden secret as a treasure hidden in plain sight, so much a part if the Dundee landscape that its easy to forget what a truly amazing resource it is.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How well Dundee is percieved and people love it after visiting. I have always known that Dundee was a great City and love showing visitors around our lovely City.

<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> Such a compact yet diverse city, providing far more for my education than simply getting a degree! The ability to get to know so many students over so many disciplines and meet so many of the local Dundonians over a four year period has been an abiding memory for well over thirty years! An honest,down to earth city with a rich academic and industrial heritage, marvellously blended with it's enchanting outlook over the Tay! Culture without a hint of pretentiousness!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For such a small city Dundee punches well above it's weight when it comes to musical talent. Dundonains were involved in bands such as The Average White Band in the 1970's to to The View in the 2000's. I was also surprised to learn that the Blues Festival held in Dundee is the biggest free blues music festival in Europe.

<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> The city has a wonderful welcoming warmth - built on its people, traditions and heritage and its developing future. There is something for everybody to be both pleased with and proud of. You are never bored with vibrant Dundee

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has such an interesting history for a relatively small city. There's plenty evidence to see as you walk about. The two universities bring a large student population and a youthful dynamic. Dundee has some beautiful parks and scenery and the silvery Tay is never too far away.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love RARA and the pretty vacant showrooms and the creativity it encourages through selling vintage and pieces from local designers. It's like a little treasure chest.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We moved to Dundee from just north of London and we were surprised by the strength of community. Everyone in our street got on and took the time for small kindnesses like helping out the old folk with shopping when the snow was bad. We have taken the attitude with us since we have moved abroad.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city looking to the future combining a new dynamism while also maintaining strong links with its cultural heritage. The city offers an excellent quality of life and provides an environment which fosters creative opportunities for both individual and business enterprise.

For a small city it hits well above its weight and more than deserves the title of City of Culture 2017!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its student friendliness and sunshine. I enjoy how many simple activities there are as well including walks and sites to see. The university is filled with nationalities and is a centre for culture.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Accessibility of classical music in a variety of forms:

-The Dundee Chamber Music Society
-Live from the Met Operas & Ballets at the DCA
-The University of Dundee's Friday Lunchtime Concerts at the Chaplaincy
-Opera, Ballet and Classical Concerts (RSNO) at the Caird Hall
-Dundee Symphony Orchestra (DSO)
-Amateur opera productions at Gardyne Road and elsewhere

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Blackness Industrial area, rich in history with many old jute mills, today they hold some the cities gems. There are art spaces and studios such as tin roof, the verdant works museum and furniture recycling center.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Walking along the front at Broughty Ferry or coming into Dundee by train across the rail bridge the views are stunning. The Tay is Dundee's least well kept secret and it's most important feature.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That I always want to go back. Having had the intention of going to Dundee and getting out as soon as possible, but the combination of arts, design and regeneration leaves me seeking a return every time I leave.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> An English friend of mine lived in London and said he drank in his local for four years before the regulars spoke to him. He visited Dundee once, ended up in the Jimmy Shand of all places, and said he was sat at the bar ten minutes before being adopted as a native son. He loves Dundee and thinks the people are as friendly and welcoming as he's come across anywhere.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great size of city, not too big but but not too small, it's friendly with a fab cultural quarter. Spectacular views over the tay!!!. Great for sight seeing, shopping, a day out or a night out.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's west end on a summer evening has the feel of a vibrant area in a larger city. Magdalene green is so sunny and sociable it can be like being in any other european park of a sunny afternoon with people siesta-ing, walking their dogs, socialising, playing sports having barbeques. And theres hardly any traffic. Theres loads of events on related to the university whatever your interests are!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Saturday lecture series at Dundee University is a fantastic venture which more people should be aware of. Snapshots of diverse and intriguing subjects for a wide-ranging audience

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All dundee's public artwork. My favourites are desperate dan and the dragon. Also some of the buildings in dundee are beautiful like the McManus, the maggies centre and St. Paul's cathedral

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Wonderful memories of student life in Dundee in the early 1980s - the intimacy of a small city, the wry humour and endearing local dialect, the rich history (jam, jute and journalism), the creativity and individuality.... Small city with BIG personality!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great theatre & love McManus Galleries. Looking forward to continuing waterfront development - city is improving!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its renaissance from the 1908s. A city on its knees has brushed off the accumulated stour of decades of struggle and decline, and has re-invented itself. A global centre for manufacturing has become a global centre for learning - and of discovery, But also of culture, not forgetting the oral and popular cultures of the past but building on these and moving forward through the city's cultural institutions. And surprising and delighting people whose perceptions of Dundee are as dated as the notion of jute, jam and journalism, notwithstanding the incontionuiong importance of the last-named.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee used to be "jam, jute and journalism". Now it is vibrant, with mainstream and arthouse cinemas, live concerts, good theatres, a wide range of restaurants, including those specialising in local cuisine as well as a variety of different ethnic cuisines, and both old and new places to relax and socialise. The fact that the museums and heritage sites are here is just the tip of the iceberg. Dundee offers something for everyone.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Duncan of jordanstone college - just a wonderful place to learn

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All the different live music styles you can and participate in Dundee. Opportunities for all in different styles of music making, with the massive rock and Indie pop scene to the trad music folk sessions in the Fisherman's along side structured groups like Tayside Young Fiddlers and Dundee Srathspey and Reel society, and all the Wighton Workshops. Classical music buffs can take part in Dundee Symphony Orchestra, there's all the University music groups and there's all the amateur chamber music making that goes in the privacy of some of our own homes. It's been going on for years we're full of talent!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fantastic universities attracting great staff and producing top talent in a variety of fields.

Stunning setting -The views /sunsets along the Tay are beautiful and unique to this city.

The Mills observatory is the UK's only public observatory allowing people to learn and enjoy the night sky.

Dundee has great potential and is evolving for the better.

<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> The rich and dazzling diversity of faiths and cultures which Dundee is home to is truly unexpected and fascinating. Dundee celebrates community better than any city I know and champions traditional and contemporary arts, theatre and dance. The Scottish Dance Theatre, The Rep Theatre, The DCA etc. etc. etc. The Nilupul Centre with it's traditional Buddhist Shrine room and artwork is a real 'hidden gem'.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The City has lovely walks down at riverside.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is full of wonderful musicians, people and their own humour. The redevelopment that is going on is so overdue and when finished will place Dundee well and truly on the map of culture where it so rightly belongs.

<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&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> 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 location is amazing - surrounded by both inland coastal delights

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Ive been around the world and yet the view entering Dundee from Fife across the Tay Road Bridge still gives me goosebumps.Simply astounding...

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> If you open the door into libraries, you will find creative writing sessions for children, adults and young people, manga sessions, video games workshops for young creatives to develop their own games, as well as regular author events.

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