:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

The city is full of ‘characters’, people who are distinctly Dundonian, but speak to the common strands of humanity everywhere. Likewise, Dundee is a city that has encapsulated so much of the world in its time. What better place to celebrate culture?

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The most stunning waterfront in Europe. Looking towards the west at any time, absolutely incomparable experience.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The arrival to this city is unlike any other in the UK. Crossing the sparkling Tay, the city is set against the spectacular Law. A city of many surprises

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The cultural quarter of the DMCA, the rep and all the events happening!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's got a great location, lots of history, culture and vibrancy and is a great place to visit.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The views across the estuary, the beeches, the parks with pavilions, ponds and castles in them, the architecture, the friendly people, the restaurants and pubs, museums and the sunniness!

<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 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> Dundee is a sunny city with friendly people, beautiful views, the Law, the River Tay, Broughty Ferry beach, easy access to countryside in any direction an ideal location.
The McManus Gallery & DCA already offer culture and arts and the addition of V&A will add to this.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The warmth of the people, it's such a friendly place.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A walk along the riverside early on a summers morning is always a great experience and you are often watched carefully by the seals basking in the sun

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I come back to Dundee I don't feel at home until I have walked beside the river. It is a simple walk but the view is constantly changing. This magnificent bit of water can comfort, excite and rejuvenate. Whenever I show someone around Dundee I do the same walk down to the river. Time and again visitors comment not only on the view but how surprised they are at how everyone we pass smiles and says hello as we walk along. It is surprising how the common connection with the Tay connects its admirers and how, at other times when there is no one, there can be such quiet open space and wide horizons so close to a busy city.

<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 Law - one of the finest view points in Scotland. Inspirational.

<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> Voices in Harmony is a choir operating out of Whitfield Community Centre. Membership is around thirty plus and growing. The choir sings acappella and is led by Sarah Harrop who is very enthusiastic and inspirational.
Gigs are performed across the city including Marryatt Hall. Recently the choir worked in collaboration with Dundee Rep to perform "This Town" in Verdant Works.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people of Dundee have had a lot to put up with regarding employment issues among other things but despite this, the City appears to be flourishing. I love the idea of the V and A coming to Dundee. We have a Frank Geary building!!!! That's VERY special.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The big sky and light quality of the estuary. Havana Swing and "The Smiling School for Calvinists". Dry weather and humour.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Even as a native I am constantly surprised by how many people conceal tremendous creative talent behind their 'ordinary', self-effacing external appearance. I know folk who are exceptionally artistic, literate, musical - you name it - but, being Dundonians, they wouldn't let you realise it until you get to know them. Get to know Dundee.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing. I've always loved the city and the people in it. There's a lot of genuinely nice and helpful people on the city despite the image that is often portrayed by other parts of Scotland. There's nowhere in Scotland that I'd rather live.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fact you can turn a corner and find an amazing piece of street art, or a medieval building or just meet an interesting character, who's always friendly and willing to share

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The City of Dundee has the current 'Scottish Hairdresser of the year' Kay McIntyre who is now in the latest member of and the only Dundonian in the British Hairdressing 'Hall of Fame'
Its also the only hair salon to have won a Regeneration Award and Commendation by the British Civic Trust...Oh and you get a great hair cut too!

<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> Its ability to adapt and reinvent itself in terms of hardship

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Our ability to continually innovate, inspire and engage is difficult to beat. From Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, The Rep Theatre and DCA, to computer games, technology and design the City, in its own quiet way, makes a big impact across the world.
The UK should be proud to have Dundee as City of Culture.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> City of youth and ambition

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I discovered my love of independent cinema at the DCA whilst a student in the city. I had been eating dinner with friends and stumbled upon the small cinema in the building. That night opened my eyes to a wealth of thoughtful, original films - British and international - and I have since studied evening film courses and joined film clubs. All thanks to a fun night at the DCA!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the wonderful location on the Tay estuary. The views across the Tay from the city are tremendous as are the views from the Fife side. I also love the sheer Victorian quality of the city ---the large jute mansions , substantial public buildings and streets of tenements. The city has a vibrancy with DCA , the McManus galleries and the Rep. The new riverside project will add to this vibrancy.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is filled with sooo many opportunities for young people to get involved with dance and the arts. Being a student at the Scottish school of contemporary dance, having Scottish Dance Theatre on our door step is only one of the great things we have!! Dundee is filled with lots of organisations like Showcase the Street and SmallPetitKlein Dance Company where there are always things happening for young people!

<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> I'm not a Dundonian I'm from over the bridge in Fife but I've visited Dundee many many times since I was a child. It was always where we chose to go 'on a proper shopping day out'. Over the years I've seen so many changes to this wonderful place. I loved it when I was a kid but I remember it looking quite dated, its now having an overhaul and being sympathetic to some important features unique to the city, it really is starting to look the part. Dundee definately deserves its place as a city of culture.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has something for everyone. For those quiet reflective moments when you can sit & listen to the waves lapping and look at the beautiful view of the Tay, the view changing depending on the weather. There are lots of places to visit like the McManus & DCA, there's retail therapy to be had, a quiet pint in the pub or a night out at a gig. I was brought up in Dundee but haven't lived there for many years. I visit family there regularly and am always struck by the friendliness of the people, and also how the city is always evolving and changing.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is beautiful with a rich history. Amongst the lovely sights to see are the ship "Discovery" and the Jute museum. The River Tay is a beautiful sight to see from the Tay bridge especially at night. The people are warm and always offer you the nice scottish hospitality and you often get to see many of the men in traditional Scottish kilt. The University Of Dundee offers a diverse mix of cultures from across the globe which blend with the eclectic mix of the old and the new that is The City Of Dundee.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There's a hidden secret fae the west end o dundee, a man wa goes by the name alfie, the mans been entertaining fowk ah eez days wi eez patter and eez always dressed ti impress.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having relocated from Edinburgh over four years ago, I was surprised at how positive and ambitious the city was (and is). There is a real sense of excitement being generated. It's about time Dundee got recognised for how much it has to offer.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was first dragged kicking and screaming from London to here by a Dundee girl 18 years ago but I have never regretted the move. I have watched the City transform itself over the years and I am really looking forward to seeing the completed waterfront and what will be the iconic V&A

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When the sun even hints at coming out, magdalan green and balgay park become the local hotspots with a guaranteed brill atmosphere. :)

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fantastic views over the Tay from the Law and Balgay park.

The friendliness of the locals, the fact that the two football stadiums are on the same street!

The volume of Whiskey/ Whisky in Speedies!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee just does things. No messing around. If they want something to happen they just make it so.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Voluntary Sector - caring, accessable and the life and soul of the city

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A small city maybe but it has everything you need - culture (museums and theatre), shops, universities - and all on your doorstep. Plus it has Dundonians - some of the friendliest people one could ever hope to meet. I love it here!

<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> Nothing surprises me about this city, having worked all over the uk the best road in this country is the one from Fife! You see the splendour of its setting and as a colleague from London once said at the top of the Law "what the hell you doing living in London?" Dundee has something which maybe only Glasgow has " its got soul" FIFA paid tribute to our city when Dundee United lost the Eufa cup final they found our friendship so great they brought out the fair play award. This epitomises Dundonians , We have SOUL !

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What amazes me about Dundee is the friendliness of Dundonians. Just like Glasgow, is it to do with the industrial history of the city? Very sunny, enjoyed every day here as a student!

<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> Chicken pilic at The Agacan

<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> I have worked in Dundee for the last 17 years and in that time it never ceases to amaze me how much it has really flourished creatively to being the innovative and forward thinking city that it is today.

A great deal of commitment, effort and time has been given by the people and employers within the city to create this vibrancy and it certainly deserves to be credited as a City of Culture.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the hidden vaults below the city. I wish more people knew about them

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A small city where everything is happening! Dundee got strong roots, but also keep an eye on the future! Friendly people everywhere, nice wee places to eat! (I really love Lily and Stone caffe!) The waterfront is beautiful!

<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 Tony Blair said "Education, education, education." what a wonderful place to study. Why is the ISIN project not being backed by a city full of engineering and education?

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I had never visited Dundee before moving here for Art School in 2004. Since then I have made it my home. The best bit about Dundee is that it feels like a big village, you're always bumping into someone you know. Yet, as a city it has lots to do. The thriving cultural scene is rivalling Glasgow and Edinburgh and with all the new developments it will only get better. Once you get used to the Dundonian accent the people are great, so friendly and fun :)

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's status in the world of higher education is rapidly growing, and the world class research in areas such as Medicine and Life Sciences is something all Dundonians should be proud of. The Riverside redevelopment programme will redefine the city, and the new V&A at Dundee will put the city firmly on the culture map!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> On my first visit to Dundee, back in 2005, i felt like anything was possible. I still find Dundee creatively inspiring, welcoming and open to new ideas.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ability to visit Broughty Ferry and do the 'Ferry 15', 15 pubs in the space of a 700 by 350 yard area.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It appears to be a small city. That it is but it is filled with friendly people and has scenic treasures everywhere. Not many cities have the beauty of Dundee, the buzz of the university and kind people on every corner. Definite selling point is the sunset over the Tay; beautiful!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has lots of hidden gems as well as a great and growing music scene.

<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> Huge variety of surprises we can find

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