:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

The people, the University and the views.
The huge variety of friendly, helpful people though out dundee, from all across the UK and Europe with a huge sense of community. The Internationally acclaimed university, ranking high in league tables from sciences and medicine to the arts at Duncan of Jordanstone. Finally the views over the Tay with the twin rail and road bridges, from Riverside or from the top of the Law hill, breathtaking and constantly changing.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quality of higher education on offer in Dundee is exceptional, as attested by warm and enthusiastic student reports. World class research in a range of academic fields is recognised in the wider academic community and places Dundee University (including of course Duncan of Jordanstone College) among the very best available.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has gone through an incredible creative regeneration. With the imminent arrival of V&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> Dundee, unofficially known as Fundee, due to the happy memories and good times had during my university days. Great people, culture and attitude makes each return visit something to look forward to.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Although hit with many hard times in the past, Dundonians seem to be able to pick themselves up and start over. i.e. Demise of the Timex, the Jute Mills, more recently the decision to take Ford abroad and to the demise of NCR, Dundonians are still showing true spirit and fighting back

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It sounds daft, but often when I'm in the queue at Tesco on Riverside, I'll have a look out the window across the Tay and think just how lucky I am to live in Dundee – with the sun streaming down the Tay, it really is a gorgeous view. The river has been underutilised in the past, but with the V&A opening, and the redevelopment of the centre, hopefully that will be addressed. And while Dundee has a great view across the river, those on the other side have a great view of Dundee’s skyline.

<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 annual Dundee Jazz & Blues festival is an amazing experience that really brings the whole community together and creates a fantastic feeling in the city. It also highlights the cities passion for creativity and is attracting fans from all over the world.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an 'honorary' Dundonian who has proudly worked here for nearly 20 years I feel sometimes that to the outside world the whole city is a hidden secret. From the beauty of the setting to the wealth of internationally sigificant heritage to the vibrancy of the cultural scene - all are waiting to be discovered. And when you add in the warm and welcoming people with their irrerevant sense of humour - a winning combination!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I remember coming out of the Caird Hall in June some years ago, to find I was in Moscow in December! With snow and pictures of Stalin. The BBC had transromed the city square into a set for it's play 'An Englishman Abroad' set in comunist Russia in the cold war - it was amazing and yet another example of Dundee's rich yet unsung cultural patchwork.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am constantly amazed by the wealth of talent in the city. From music to art and beyond, I think the people of Dundee should be recognised for their famous cultural past and the amazing work that is happening right now.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Rep, been delivering great theatre for years and has a commitment to the community excellent.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Returning to Dundee after a trip down south - crossing the Tay Bridge in the train and marveling at the beauty of the firth on either side of me.

<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> As a relative newcomer to Dundee, I had no idea there was so much going on here. There are so many creative people, so many exciting new projects, and there's so much to explore. Quite inspiring for a small place!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee had a reputation as being hard and unfriendly when i first came to the city in 1984 to study. I soon discovered that the City of Discovery is a safe and pleasant place to come. It has all the facilities of a big city but you don't have to travel too far to get to things. Not too big, not too small, just about right.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history of the city is fascinating

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history, the art and the science that hides round every corner. From the Gormley in the hospital to the modern architecture, to the statues and memories of Dundee's greatinventors, scientists and statesmen

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so much to offer. It's diversity of people, places, landscape, events. its research and innovation. It's true community engagement.

The best thing- the spirit of its people.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a buzz about - new architecture resulting in amazing buildings that the world should share

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think we have great potential to visitors and locals in that there are great closie tours of Victorian and medeaval histories. Stuart Walker does these tours and could speak for ages on the history of Dundee but we don't do enough of these tours and promote our own town. We could do more and shout about our town from the rooftops but tend to hide and don't push ourselves enough.
Dundee folk don't shout about their town and what it has, like the Macmanus Galleries, The Unicorn, The Discovery. Up wi the bonnets of Bonnie Dundee!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city of Dundee has to be one of the friendliest places I have been to. there is always a smile and a welcome and humour without the sarcastic aggressive tone that often goes with Scottish humour. Good luck Dundee URIT

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an incomer I have discovered so many hidden wonders, from her Industrail Heritage in Jute, Jam and Journalism to the strength and vitality of the women of the city, as Civil Rights and Trade union Leaders as well as religious icons. Dundee's history is a wonderful web of intrigue enriched by her people.
I love that the Universities integrate so well and add to that.
We have much to be proud of! A walk round Balgay Cemetery tells amazing stories.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much is going on, from band gigs to comedy shows with everything, including drama and ballet, in between. Since I came to Dundee nearly 30 years ago, I've watched it transform from an ugly duckling into a swan, from something of a "cultural backwater" to a great, exciting and entertaining place to live.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view eastwards down the ancient Nethergate, with the spire of St Paul's Cathedral in the distance, is one of the country's most dramatic and under-rated street vistas.

<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> Originally from Fife, I had no expectations of Dundee when I came to study here after time in America. I'm now in my 3rd year at Dundee University, and consider it one of the best decisions I've made. Dundee is full of great people with a surprising amount of fun things to do, rich in variety to cater for anyone from every background! The city of culture belongs no where else :)

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Many organisers and conference delegates visiting the city have been wowed by the friendliness of the people and how much Dundee has to offer outwith key cities such as Edinburgh or Glasgow. Dundee is becoming a vibrant and exciting cultural destination and I am delighted to be a part of it!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a hub of knowledge, culture and innovation. People come from all over to participate in shaping the future of our city, country and general humanity.

<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 beauty of the Shed at Tannadice is really something to behold.

<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> Dundee is a real and loveable second home to many students, like myself, who study here. I am in my second year at University here and I am still discovering new parts of Dundee and the countryside surrounding it. The view points particularly over the Tay from near the observatory at sun down are absolutely stunning and is one of my favourite places to be. There are many inspiring lecturers and mentors attached to the universities which make me proud to say that I am spending my student life here.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> so many wonderful things about a city always looking towards the future of discovery. whether its art (v&a), music (rustyhipcollective) or science (research centre) dundee has it all!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I really like the idea that in theory, you could visit a second hand shop in Dundee and come across a sailor's Bitty Box from a former whaling ship or a souvenir from a Jute mill.. How exciting and completely possible.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from the rooftops

From the ground, the city centre is a modern thriving metropolis, but look over the rooftops and you're transported to yesteryear. Intricately carved stone memorials to a time where people, not technology were the workhorses of the city. The courthouse, Tay works, the spires of the many churches, I sit in my fifth floor office, gaze across the unseen cityscape and consider what life must have been like, what's been lost and, more importantly, what's been gained. Dundee a city of history, that's trailblazing into the future.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the fact you have all the amenities of a major city and yet you can drive about without the traffic stress of a big city such as an Edinburgh or a Glasgow. There aren't the same 'wacky races' or gunge ups here !

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me the most about Dundee is its music and art scenes; for such a small city, there is a huge amount of creativity, from arts and music collectives, to several galleries. The DCA and Hannah Maclure Centre show great exhibitions and bring great people to the city. Its the hidden treasures of the underground gigs and the Generator Projects that are treats and should be recognised, not just by the other people in Dundee, but for everyone who visits.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I was a kid all I wanted to do was get away from Dundee, there was nothing here I thought we could be proud of. Now, upon my return after having lived away for many years there's nothing I'm not proud of. The city is changing beyond recognition, but its sense of history and identity remains. It took me years to see the light, but all I want now is the best for Dundee and its people and to show the world what a great place this is.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a city with a community, heart and soul. It is unique

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Some of the best assets of Dundee is it's small bars and cafe's. They are very inviting and have a great atmosphere. Due to Dundee's landscape there is many hills which give you tremendous views over the city centre and the Tay. Dundee also has many fabulous parks such as Baxter park. The best thing of all though is that everything is very central, so it's easy to get everywhere.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a place of great opportunity. It is easy to get in touch with folk about an idea you have and to see it brought to life without too much red-tape. The support from The McManus, in launching Nomas* Projects has been invaluable and helped build a new platform for contemporary art, here in the heart of the city!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a spectacular location that amazes people who visit for the first time. There is a lots of green space in the city with lovely well maintained parks. There is something for everyone in Dundee with concerts and exhibitions of various kinds and good shopping. The people are friendly and will go out of their way to help you. A great place to live.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's under appreciated (and mostly free) music scene showcases a huge array of local talent and really makes me proud of what the people of this city are capable of achieving.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The spectacular view from the top of Ninewells Avenue ... it is never twice the same, beautiful in all its moods, and when the tide is low and the river is full of sandbanks, you feel you could walk your way across to Fife.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We've got two Universities, two football teams, two bridges and a professional ice hockey team a plethora of theatres and a number of fine museums. The people are proud, but not pushy. The city has one of the finest settings in the world and despite many of the mistakes of the sixties almost every other city made it is now going places and has a tremendous sense of optimism. Becoming City of Culture would be the icing on the cake of the cities rebirth.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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 friendly people, the amazing views over the Tay, the Rep, the parks.

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