We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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Dundee is a great place with interesting little pockets of history from the Howff graveyard to the Mcmanus gallery and surprising little art deco details of some forgotten old buildings. I like looking out for all the little bits of public sculpture as well – I think the penguins heading for Discovery are my favourite!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The 24-hour bakery - a place full of wonder, magic and mystery!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay Cemetry is my most favourite, beautiful, quiet place. A place for reflection and peace with the most stunning views from up high right down to the Silvery Tay. Just don't tell everyone....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are so many green spaces and interesting activities going on.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The views in Dundee are fantastic. There is lots to do and see! You couldn't visit Dundee for just a day, you would have to take a whole week!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The famous Nine Trades of Dundee --nine groups keeping alive 500 years of tradition and culture through the ancient guilds which made Dundee thrive --from medieval times. A great legacy.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think Dundee is in a beautiful location, on the banks of the silvery Tay. I've often felt that the city hasn't used this to their advantage, until recently with the new waterfront development and the V&amp;A. In the past Dundee has been a bit of a rough diamond compared to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen but now I think Dundee has definitely started to sparkle!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a fabulous and unique history! Shipbuilding, whaling, the mills, the print works, the. Soft fruit and jams! But those days are gone! What isn't gone is the fighting spirit and the desire to make Dundee great again and that's something we need to embrace and support!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Science Festival and the Dundee Literary Festival are two events that I look forward to. The fact that eminent scientists and authors want to come to the City to share their experiences is fantastic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Mary shelly plaque and her famous book Frankenstein
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I grew up in Perth and did not like Dundee. Now i am older I know this was clever spin, the term 'hidden secrets' sums up The Jewel on the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> You find that the people who put Dundee down have never even been there! I love Dundee and the people of Dundee - they're absolutely straightforward and real. Couthie is the word for it. It's the 'biggest village' in Scotland - you can't walk through Dundee city centre without bumping into somebody you know, or at least seeing a few familiar faces and giving them a wee nod of recognition. Dundee's position on the Tay estuary is also one of the most beautiful settings of any city in Europe - come and see for yourself! (Carol Greig)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Between 1833 and 1850, Dundee built around 50 steam locomotives, some of the earliest in the world. They ran on all the local lines as well as many others across Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's WONDERFUL!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is the way that it has risen from the ashes of an industrial city to a city of culture bidder. Or should i really be surprised this city has always fought back.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> everything
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> broughty ferry beach in all weathers
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is home to many great things. A thriving digital media sector is one of the city's greatest assets.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> fantastic location and ever changing scenery
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am amazed at the number and variety of public lectures available in Dundee in the course of a year. DundeeAtrs Cafe, Cafe Science, Saturday Evening Lecture Series - in its 89th year, Armistead Lectures - over 120 series, to name but a few. All are well and enthusiastically attended.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a deeply dedicated and fully engaged culture of arts, science, research and innovation. With two universities, museums, galleries and a fab science centre it provide myriad opportunities for people to play, learn and discover.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Finding contemporary arts - print studio is just amazing there so much talent there I can hardly pick just one thing to buy
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The History coupled with the modern student demographic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is very diverse but has so much to offer visitors from great architecture to sporting centres of excellence. There are fantastic places to eat and so much to do from ice-skating, theatres and cinemas. Dundee really is the place for everyone
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's thriving, inclusive and dynamic underground music scene is what makes it amazing to me. There is a tight knit - yet welcoming- group of humans who are constantly bringing new music and memorable nights to the the people of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The local music scene is one of the most enriching for a city its size. There are also a vast array of excellent local businesses; restaurants, pubs, shops, what have you. Dundee should be more recognised on the cultural map.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> At St. John's high school we are showcasing our talented pupils in a professional way. Producing excellent enterprising activities like having an S2 pupil make a CD, and have the RSNO back her during a live performance at the school. We are producing Artwork by pupils that is for sale and we are looking to further develop on our very succesful Community Project putting on performances and podcasts at the theatre and on our new purpose built Radio Station. At St. John's creativity reigns!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have some of the best live music in Dundee ! Currently on the go are; Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher - The Boston Tea Party - The View - Deacon Blue - Ricky Ross - The Hazy Janes - Danny Wilson - Alan Gorrie - (AWB) Not forgetting those who are sadly no longer with us - The late Michael Marra - Dougie Martin and many many more!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved here in the mid 80's to study and didn't leave! Dundee is such a beautiful and vibrant city. I love it's distinctive language, history, architecture, amazing music scene and close proximity to the sea, to name but a few. Most of all though, I love the people. Dundee is full of friendly, creative and very talented people and in my opinion the perfect choice for UK City of Culture 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The loyalty and pride of Dundonians in their city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The seals sunbathing in the morning.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great city filled with lots of wonderful things to do.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm excited by the excitement change is bringing: Dundee's cultural contribution is yet to be defined. So many parts of a new way of binding a city together are in the froth along the Tay: knowledge, history, clean next-generation energy, sustainability, digital promise and information culture. Dundee is becoming something new, something beyond what each ingredient adds to the soup. It's where a diverse past is becoming a vibrant future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Not a lot of people know just how good we are!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am from Canada and have visited Dundee a few times.
1-It is a wonderfully &amp; welcoming warm city.
2-It's people are quick to helpful, with a sense of humor that renews my soul.
3-They have the best fish &amp; chips in the whole world.
4-The city is beautiful and easy to get around.
5-The Law Hill is a highlight of my trips especially on the 1st day of summer.
6-If I could managed it I would immigrate to Dundee, as there is no where in the world that I would rather live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was raised in Dundee but exiled since 1978. A moment of sheer sporting magic should be remembered - the UEFA Cup Final: Dundee United had lost to Swedish opponents but the reaction of the home fans at Tannadice Park was astonishing. A thunderous ovation that went on and on for both sides greeted the final whistle. United fans like me were all disappointed but our team hadn't let us down. It was a spontaneous, heartfelt, memorable gesture that sums up Dundonians' sense of fair play, warmth and generosity. Swedish fans were tearful as they'd never experienced anything like it. I'll never forget that evening.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the vibrant music scene in Dundee. There is a diverse choice of live music at various venues on any given night of the week. Add that to the amount of small cafes etc that showcase local art by having artwork on display where you least expect it makes Dundee's culture very easily accessible to all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the seals hauled out on the sandbanks during low-tide in the Tay.
<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> The transformation! The huge amount of creative talent in the city is amazing &amp; really, still to be fully discovered!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Mills observatory
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history of the jute trade
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing move from industry like jute to the sciences and arts. Also the jumping drags at invergowrie house and the red squirrels that can be seen around camperdown. The amazing river Tay sets the city as beautiful as any other.
<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> The fantastic food spots on offer! The overall vibe from the city is great!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wonderful staff at the DCA who brighten up the day no matter what time it is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of people from outside our city who knock us! I was born and brought up here and yes, we have our problems-what city doesn't, but the strength and inherent decency of the majority of Dundonians makes me proud. Oh yeah, the pubs and restaurants, Discovery Point, Verdant Works, Botanic Gardens, McManus Galleries, the new V&amp;A, I could go on and on. The best thing? The feeling of homecoming when you come over the Rail Bridge - now that's special!!
<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> That we have the best variety and good quality eateries of any city in Europe . Lots of places to go on a night out whatever your income and the Caird hall
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I recently moved to Dundee, the first thing that struck me was the friendliness of the people and the 'village' atmosphere even though it is a city. I enjoy the interesting architecture and street art depicting the history of the city ... or just for fun. There are so many events hosted to share knowledge in the sciences and arts - science cafe, saturday evening lectures, comedy clubs, many of which are free to the public. The Discovery point, McManus gallery, Science museum and other museums also add to the interesting things to do. Not least also the view across the Tay to North Fife is spectacular. I moved to Dundee from Switzerland and find that my life is actually richer and more varied here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Generator Projects! With out a doubt my favorite thing about Dundee, a really strong curatorial team who curate some of the best exhibitions of emerging artists anywhere in the UK. Then there are the Yuck'n'Yum guys with there AGK (Annual General Karaoke)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I come back to Dundee it's changed - something new and something different, each &amp; every time. This ability to change, move and adapt is a key link to why Dundee has been responsible for so many discoveries and inventions over the years - we are not stuck in the past and we are not scared of change therefore we can move forward. The future is a very exciting place for Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The DCA Print studio is a great place to work, they are supportive of all Artists at every stage of their career.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a great northern soul scene where people of all ages come together and share their love of brilliant soul music and dance the night away. Everyone who goes dances and its all about the music. Everyone who goes loves it!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> all the little details - benches in the street which are wiggly rather than standard straight ones, arty bollards, dragon wrapped around a street sign etc etc etc, so many
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Rep, Yoga studios, community groups, arts and cratfs - it is ALL on the doorstep in Dundee; superb river front walks, country parks and a zoo within the city limits - it's all here
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 2 universities each prominent in its expertise draw in students and researchers from all over the world. These visitors bring the rich diversity of so many different cultures to the city and many become long term residents . Living in the West End I am constantly reminded of the cosmopolitan nature of Dundee in 2013 which was largely absent as I was growing up here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is amazingly clean when compared to other cities.
My wife is from Liverpool and her first comment on visiting Dundee for the first time was how well presented it is.
There are hidden gems everywhere like the nature walk between the Esplanade and railway in Broughty Ferry, and Duntrune Garden in Dawson Park.
And there are few things better than watching the dolphins in the Tay on a glorious summers morning.
<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.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The old medieval town of Dundee which can still be found in places when walking around the city. This includes old streets and closes, hidden buildings, and an underground network of passages. All of these features of the built environment of the city are completely hidden unless you know where to look but provide an opportunity to witness the hidden past of Dundee prior to Jute when it was a wealthy and successful trading port with the Baltics.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sheer number of individuals and groups who are involved in choirs, bands, music groups, pub gigs and sessions, art clubs, model railway, boat and aircraft making, musical theatre, local history and museums, lively community centres, Friends Of everything from the Unicorn and Barnhill Rock Garden to Balgay Hill and the Caird Hall Organ. Culture? It's in Dundee's heart and soul!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> dundee surprises me because no matter what i find out about our great city there is always more to find out,dundee has a great past, in fact it has a fantastic past, the people are so great here,sure we have our share of the riff raff, but so does other cities,
<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> A beautiful &amp; peaceful cycle route, with fantastic views across the River Tay.
<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> Dundee has many beautiful and interesting places including the DCA centre, Rep theatre and the Law, but above all I love the city for the people I met there and enjoyed all these places with.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was Born in Dundee Royal Infirmary and Like so many things in Dundee it is gone and been replaced with something Better. I moved away when I was 18 (Now 45) I always had fond memories of MY home City but when I returned 20 odd years later it had transformed from the old City it was into a Vibrant Beautiful City it is today the best thing I liked was the Big ship Docked there in the edge of town. But it has retained the best parts of the Old City the architecture is still beautiful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved back to Dundee three years ago after spending 10 years away and am finally appreciating how artistically, culturally and musically vibrant the city is. In a relatively small city local talent is on display everywhere- the DCA, The Rep, McManus Galleries, Clarks, The Art Bar, Dukes Corner, Duncan of Jordanstone, Westfest, Literary Dundee, the Gardyne Theatre, etc, etc.The buzz around the V&amp;A is amazing in the city, and makes me proud to be Dundonian!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Rich industrial and martime heritage of the city. Not just the Discovery but the lesser known gems such as the verdant works which give a real insight into the city's past. The most surprising is the departure point for the longest flying boat flight - a world record that remains to this day !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved here from Aberdeen over 10 years ago. Got married here, had my kids here; I've made this amazing city my home, but its warmth, its vibrance and its diversity never fails to surprise and amaze me. Great people. Great location. Great City!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Braithwaites coffee shop. It's like stepping back in time!
<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> A brand new MLitt in Theatre Studies in collaboration with Dundee University and The Rep launched with a flying start - the enthusiasm of everyone involved has been spectacular, and I'm so happy to have chosen to study here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The atmosphere, the friendliness. That I can be at the beach, up an inactive volcano or shopping from big name retailers all within 10 mins of my house.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a vibrant business community and this can only grow in light of recent developments eg V&amp;A Dundee, Malmaison etc. The people are warm, humorous, friendly... And I LOVE Dundee United FC.
<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> I am impressed by the night view of the Tay river and bridges seen from the Hill of Law.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having moved from Aberdeen I say the people are much more grounded and friendy. The streets are clean and there is a huge amount of creativity going on with the Waterfront project.

So glad I moved to Dundee.........
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people of Dundee are the most generous and friendly people any where, and for all the bad press it gets there are hundreds of good people who get no press who do fab work ,the diversity of culture and creed never ceases to amaze me either,and the ability for other cultures to not only be welcomed in Dundee ,but to flourish should be recognised ,Oh not forgetting the Dandy and the Beano ...Oor Willie and the Broons fae Glebe street ...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Driving to Broughty Ferry on a Winter evening and parking the car facing the Tay. One red, and one white pudding supper takeaway and back to the car. Sitting in the warmth watching the lights of Newport and Tayport reflected in the calm black water. Looking at the cars on either side and the same ritual is taking place, A line of parked Dundonians chomping on their suppers looking out across the river ... fine dining and romance Dundee style.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's part in the history of cinema through Peter Feathers, a film maker contemporary with George Melies, who screened his short films in Castle street. Google 'Railway Ride over the Tay Bridge (1897)'
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The law,a place you can see all dundee. The Bonney bits and the not so Bonney bits
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> If you see Dundee in sunshine, it is a lovely place. Yet seeing it when it rains and all is grey and the Tay river whirls with the wild currents, that is what summons the bitter-sweet nostalgia of the past, of the industrial times and streetcars passing through the city center.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is a growing number of cyclists around Dundee over the past few years. This past winter has seen cyclists out whatever the weather. I still can't believe I saw someone cycling/sliding down an icy cycle path on his way to work. Once the sunny weather comes, there will be lots more cyclists out and about around Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> art bar, speedwells, parlour, djcad, dca, pheonic, frasers, grouchos.. thats dundee city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I would like to thank Baldragon Academy for the opportunities they have presented my daughter in her first year there. So far she has been successfully involved in the football, basketball, netball, and heptathlon and cross country teams. She has also taken part in the National Rock Challenge competition, Dundee Schools Art Festival in four different categories, sung in the Gold Leng medal competition and getting a main part in the school end of term show. Academically the school have also encouraged her to excel in all areas of the curriculum making her a confident and successful individual.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the blues bonanza is huge!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The author of Frankenstien, Mary Godwin Shelley, holidayed in Dundee as a girl. She even mentions it in the introduction to her famous novel. A plaque marking the site of the cottage where she stayed is embedded in a building on the city's South Baffin Street off Broughty Ferry Road. This is just one of Dundee's literary claims to fame!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From the west end of Dundee, the sun always rises from one 'end' of the the tay, and sets into the other. So it's lovely every day.
<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> Having worked and travelled around the UK &amp; further afield, Dundee has its own unique personality. For example, it's nigh impossible to stand at a Dundee bus stop for any length of time without a fellow traveller striking up a conversation with you. It's been a city for a long time but it still feels like a big village.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The remarkable fund-raising achievements of its citizens for cancer research and medical equipment. It's many unsung medical, scientific and social pioneers eg Thomas Maclagan, James Bowman Lindsay and Mary Lily Walker. The past European successes of its football teams epitomise how so often Dundee punches well above its weight. The gradual eradication of multi-storey buildings is an indication of the city rediscovering its architectural heritage.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the ability to re-invent itself
exciting to see the city connecting with the river again
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of the most amazing places in the city, though some may think it slightly morbid, is the Howff Cemetery located just to the north of the overgate shopping centre. This small plot of land encapsulates the history of the city through it's people. The headstones, though old and some damaged include the names of ship's captains, sugar merchants, bakers and weavers. Standing next to the old DC Thompson buildings, it is the one place in modern Dundee where you can truly appreciate everything that the city was and is. From jam, jute and journalism to the forefront of scientific research and discovery. This city is a truly amazing place, you only need to look!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is Scotland's hidden gem - its setting is sublime (the river seen from any of the city's hills never fails to stir the imagination), its people are warm and welcoming, and it has, historically, punched well above its weight as a centre of creativity and culture. No other city is more deserving of the 'City of Culture' award.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I was a youth arts worker on the Hilltown I discovered a fantastic hide out called the DPM Park, it is tucked away in the middle of houses at the 'tap o the hull' this space used to be a Dundee Pasturised Milk Dairy. The space has years of history attached to it. The park has a 'free wall' for graffiti artists and the local young people and artists to have 'Graffitti Jams' artists from around the world have created amazing art work at the DPM. France, New York, Austalia and all around the uk from London, Glasgow and Aberdeen and many more, they come here and work with our local talent and inspire the young people of Bonney Dundee. Definitely a wee hidden cultural treasure!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For a city of Dundee's size there is a massive amout going on culturally and otherwise. The city is renowned for its medical teaching and innovative scientific research and also for the D of J college which produces some of the worlds finest artists. This, mixed with the ever evolving music scene makes Dundee a fantastic place to live and visit
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The walks along the waterfront is beautiful in all seasons, and the view from the top of the Law Hill is amazing. These natural places bring genuine richness to the 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&amp;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> Great location for walkers, runners and cyclists, productive and unique art and music scene, cosy corners in the phoenix and art bar, lovely wee tea and cake shops, great parks to explore on a sunny day, we get plenty here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Exchange street. It's full of little independent shops, cafes and restaurants that are way better than the usual chain stores.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I've lived in Dundee since 1985 and to this day the humour, the dry wit of the people still engages me. In town, the medieval rubs up against Starbucks, dotcom computer-game creators drink in the Phoenix next to old guys who worked in the boatyard. Go down to the riverside, look left and there's nothing out there until Denmark. 28 years in the city and I've been banged on the nose only once and, on that occasion, I was really asking for it. That has to say something.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is a surprisingly large African community in Dundee. And with that brings a whole new culture, especially food, clothing and genre of music which I love - Afrobeats, dancehall, soca, hip hop and rnb. The good thing is that everyone has an open mind and are willing to try anything.
<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> The Cheesery in Exchange Street is fab. Dorothy knows so much about the wonderful cheeses she stocks.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has its very own Neollithic stone circle - in Charleston.

I hope that the focus on the City of Culture can bring more of Dundee's history that is one the ground (and under it!) to the fore.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee because we are the underdog city and the music scene here is a little gem that deserves more credit with a really cool D.I.Y ethic going on bringing touring bands from all over the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great buildings - Gardyne's Land - original elements 1560, now preserved as a backpackers' hostel. St David's Rooms, - original elements early 1600's. 2 cathedrals - St Paul's and St Andrew's.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am surprised every day by just how beautiful the view is from my office in the City Centre. I can see the river, the bridges, as far as Broughty Ferry and over towards Fife. It is one of the most amazing views and I am lucky enough to see it every day. Such a beautiful and intimate, yet lively and exciting city.

:)

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