We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

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> It is ever changing and the positive future and development of Dundee is being heard about throughout the world. The former 3 J's have definitely started to disappear and Dundee is being put out there as a cultural and business centre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee was the place where I learned how to be a designer and how to think about my future. I work all over the world and take Duncan of Jordanstone everywhere I go. The scenery takes my breath away and it has a sense of opportunity in the air. I'm proud of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of Dundee's cultural hidden secrets - The Samuel Chorus, a friendly choir, rehearses on Wednesdays in Baptist Church Hall, Bright Street, Lochee, performs quality music twice yearly. Our concerts are on Sat. 27 April 2013 at 7pm in St Hary Magdalene's Episc, Church, Dundee and Sun. 28 April, in St John's Episc.Church, Forfar
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's not a lack of things to say that's kept me from posting here, but the opposite. For such a small place there's so much cultural cache, from a vibrant and multifarious music scene to a fantastic art college, brilliant artist-run spaces and obviously the excellent resource that is Dundee Contemporary Arts. Above all though, within &amp; without the cultural hubs of Dundee it is the genuine sense of community that makes the place so special.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee's can-do attitude. There's such support form the creative community and a permission here, if you want to do something creative, just get out and make it happen!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Stores, cafes close too early. Later closings would encourage tourists to come and spend time more time in the city. As well after shows/concerts/theatre people would like a place to have coffee and/or light snacks.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am amazed at the depth of feeling and loyalty that Dundonians have for their city. Despite being one of Scotland's larger cities, the people make it feel like a village because they all know each other .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> McManus Art Gallery is a hidden gem. The history and culture of Dundee all one one place. Very interesting.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> University of Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How it changes so much but never really changes at all. I was born in Dundee but now live in Essex. The city changes with various buildings being demolished and new ventures being completed every time I visit. But as you walk through the crowds, you notice that the people don't change and there is a tremendous amount of loyalty that stretches back through generations. Dundonians are proud to be just that and that is something that will never change!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I came to Dundee it was quite a sad place, burdened by the disappointments of the past. Today it is a new city with a new and much more confident view of itself and its place in the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its riddled with irish invaders (myself included) and its just like being at home... minus the relentless bombing of each other. Clarkes 24 hour bakery is an absolute delight and the biggest asset dundee has to offer. Serving the burst student community and lining their stomachs for the lecture filled day just a few hours away. KEN THAT!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The University Gardens
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are its best asset - witty, genuine and friendly.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee surprises you with unexpected opportunities, events, people and places. A fantastic, creative and inspirational city with heaps of personality that makes it stand out from the crowd.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The arts scene in Dundee is not simply a matter of excellent facilities, strong grass-root commitment, and the way the size and mix of the city encourages participation: it regularly features artists and performers of international importance: see the history of performances for Dundee Chamber Music and shows at DCA. We have seen the same work featured in DCA and in the Venice Biennale; we have heard the same performers in the Caird Hall and in Alice Tully Hall, NYC. Also, Caird Hall is a major recording venue for classical record companies, such as Philips and Chandos.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I remain struck by this rugged diamond of the North, a world class centre of education and research in the finest European traditions, embedded in local communities and business while reaching out to virtually every corner of the globe.
<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> I like that Dundee has culture without pretentiousness; that we have bands who play big festivals but still play in local pubs, and world class classical musicians playing in community centres and day centres for older people; and that I can be entertained on the way home from seeing Scottish Dance Theatre by a homeless guy dancing joyfully in the aisle of the bus while his mate plays a mouth organ.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I left Dundee around 8 years ago and when I returned I barely recognised the place, what a transformation!! It makes me even more proud to be a Dundonian!! Well done and good luck.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The walking distance between Tannandice and Dens.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Our young people Diversity in action
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A pint in the Snug Bar on match day. Having Banter with the lovely colourful ladies at Fellows Barber Shop. Fine Italian Beer and coffee in the historic Cafe Borsa. Live music in the Fishermans Tavern. All day breakfast at Cafe Rodi. Dundonian Seagulls, they are good chaps if a bit mental.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazing mental health service full of people who really care and really make a difference. They have supported me through think and thin and really made a massive difference to my life
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> a city which is constantly changing, always warm and friendly. one Dundee `s finest sons Mr Mike Dailly , the most unselfish caring people i have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Tirelessly working and representing the people who need it most . He is a credit to the City of Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The general community spirit and atmosphere created both daily and nightly through the city's people, places and attractions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The return of its self-confidence and ambition - its always been there , but it's now being recognized. Go on Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I absolutely love that even in South East Asia people know who Dennis the Menace is and are even more impressed when they find out that he comes from Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the art scene is thriving, welcoming and diverse!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Fireworks night fireworks! An amazing display and a great place for people to come together. They always mark the start of a special time in the year and I look forward to seeing them again this year.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love The Kingsway! It gets you from one end of the city to the other in about 10 minutes. And rather than bypass Dundee, it goes right through it! When I was taking driving lessons many years ago my instructor had me drive from Kingsway East to The Swallow and back and after I was an expert in roundabouts.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The cherry blossom 'avenue' in full bloom at Dawson Park. Its beauty surprises me every year and it is a reminder that spring has finally arrived!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much is in the vicinity, culture and golf.
<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> I'm a Dundonian who has been living away for the past 10 years. Next year I am coming home and I couldn't be more excited! During my recent visits I have seen remarkable improvements in Dundee but know this is only the start! Dundonians are the warmest people I have come across, this together with the impressive developments in the City makes Dundee the place to be!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I never been there but I will be.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an abundance of amateur musical theatre, music and drama groups offering a multitude of opportunities for young people and adults to perform.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> So many wonderful Victorian buildings and 9 times out of 10 the sun is shining
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is beautifully situated on the banks of the River Tay with panoramic views across the river, to North Fife. It is both an intellectual and a cultural city, with two universities, theatres and the Dundee Contemporary Arts. It is a sociable, friendly city which deserves to to be on the limelight.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> You can just go 1 mile outside of dundee, then you are suddenly in the countryside, with veiws which are amazing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Braithwaites Tea &amp; Coffee shop! So good i spend most weekends shipping orders to my friends and family who cant get into the shop in person.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> people, festivals, music &amp; history
<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> I loved the atmosphere in the new Caird square on a cold crisp winter evening after listening to the Dundee Symphony Orchesta in the Caird hall, coming down the steps and looking at the Christmas lights and the tree and the people in Henry's coffee house enjoying the view. I love Braithwaite's coffee shop and the Cheesery on Exchange street. Drouthy's and the jute cafe and Dukes corner, the art bar. The macmanus Gallery
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a Dundonian I love this place , spectacular setting on a river visited by dolphins and seals , small enough to feel like a community, close enough to bigger cities if you want then, filled and surrounded by parks and a host of activities, monikie is my hidden treasure , drive for half and hour and you are in the countryside where you can walk till your hearts content , 40 mins more and you are in glenshee, where you can ski for hours without the queues.... What more can you ask for?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city's attraction of people from all over the world through education in some of its institutions such as the University of Dundee and Abertay University is amazing because you get a very rare opportunity of meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures. This has afforded me the opportunity of learning the cultures of other countries and peoples, and to make friends across national boundaries. Dundee is a great place when it comes to different people from diverse cultures and it is education the city provides that made this possible. Importantly, the people of Dundee (Dundonians) are so warm and friendly and always willing to assist.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty Ferry on a sunny day, the views of the Tay are spectacular and it's always nice having a castle!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Moved from Dundee 15 years ago. However, i will always be a West end Lad. Magdalen Green, the Band Stand, the views across the Tay and McIntosh Patrick.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians are genuine and generous with big spirits and kind souls and I'm proud to be one and need to come home every year from Australia to get my fix! I'm a very proud ambassador for my home town and I love watching Dundee evolve! Good luck! X
<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> My attic studio is a great wee secret place, right in the center of the town with all the works going on around. There is a buzz going on all around here of unlimited potential, and Dundee has certainly provided me with the countless opportunities to practice my trade of conserving the cities archival heritage. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a born and bred Dundonian, I often feel that Dundee is Scotland's "silent city" - that is, most people (particularly down south) think of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen first when naming a Scottish city. Yet, it has so much going for it in terms of its transition towards an artistic culture, its "student friendliness", and its beautiful location.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a University town with energetic researchers, scientists, teachers and smart people everywhere!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The attitude of the people in Dundee is first class, 99per cent are behind the proposed waterfront project, When this project is finished, the Va Museum, new Railway Station and the New 5 star hotels opened Dundee will be a place to be reckoned with.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an amazing city which deserves to be recognised as the UK city of culture. There are various reasons for it including the various interpretations of the term 'culture'. In terms of cultural capital, there is a lot of cultural diversity within our communities, which come together through public fora and work of the organisations such as our primary and secondary schools, two universities, college, Dundee Rep, DCA, McManus Galleries etc. One has to just google 'what is on in Dundee' to realise that we have various cultural events everyday and every individual in the city directly or indirectly plays a part in making this city so culturally rich. The arrival of V&amp;A is going to put us even more prominently on the world map as the cultural city of not only UK but the world. We strongly believe that Dundee is THE UK city of culture!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the absolutely perfect place to see the whole of Scotland - we have the rivers, the sea, the hills, the glens, the cities and the countryside all within a stone's throw! And that's not to mention everything Dundee has all by itself culture, history, scenery, shopping, sport ... need I go on??
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a unique city. We have everything on our doorstep - the benefits of a city and the beauty of the countryside, and amazing culture and heritage that we should be very proud of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Verdant Works is a hidden gem. The volunteers are fantastic and have a welath of knowledge.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is outward-looking boasting the Mills observatory, one of the few major public-access observatories in any UK city, as well as having introspective tendencies with high resolution microscopy, and views both inward and outward looking via satellite receiving stations. The unaided views to the naked eye are also quite stunning from estuarial sunrises to majestic river Tay sunsets, and all the intervening splendour of a cosmopolitan urban landscape. We are also pretty good at ultimate frisbee !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is defined by its people. Although many don't have much, they are rich in character, spirit and friendship. For me Dundee is a great place to live and grow up and truly has something for everyone. Although the streets are ever changing, Dundee has kept its own character due to its people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The helpful people who live here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scottish Variety Awards 'Best New Scottish Band' 2013 - Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher' - all Dundee born and bred. Not a 'hidden secret' for much longer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It sits on the banks of a beautiful river. It has an historic ship the discovery that was used to navigate the seas. It will host the V&amp;A museum and has the vibrancy and artistic temperament to make this a world leading area for arts and culture not just for a year, but for a lifetime.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have seen dundee change from being a grim depressing place to grow up in the 80s to the vibrant, exciting and optomistic place it is today. if anyone had told me when i was a teenager that i would be back here living in my 30s and 40s I wouldnt have believed it! Yet here i am and here i want to stay. i I am proud to see the place i call home thriving through the innovative and creative nature of its inhabitants. Dundee has really pulled itself up by its bootstraps and I'm glad to be part of it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a foreigner working in Dundee I am most touched by Dundonians' intrinsic desire to improve their communities by working together. The Dundee Dance Partnership is an example of this and a model to follow in other areas. Dundee promotes social and cultural exchanges in every corner of the city, all in a humorous and light-hearted way but without trivialising the impact of such a conversation. Dundee symbolises the slogan "working together for an equal and better future", embracing the challenges that such a lofty cause might entail.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Billy Mackenzie !!!!!!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am from China. and I came to Dundee for my postgraduate study. For me the hidden beauty in dundee is the idea of connecting people together. There is incredibly huge amont of talented people in Dundee and the idea of connecting them together to make things happen is great. I remember when I was in my exchange year, my teacher Jonathan Baldwin tried to connect me to an illustrator student who is doing research of Chinese Calligraphy, while I am doing my master's project, my study advisor also introduces other brilliant people to me. Sometimes finding the right person to talk is an extremely efficient way of doing things
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ability to go from modern sights to historical and cityscape to countryside and all in one walk and if your lucky a good icecream and seeing some dolphins at the end
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has seen a revolution in the past 20 years With lots more to come It's rich heritage, now matched by it's forward outlook makes it the ideal City of Culture,2017
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I just love that it's cooler than everyone thinks when you dig a little deeper.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much history to be proud of, and so many positives to look forward to. I love the views across the River Tay, the ability to see the whole City from The Law and the abundance of green space The vast changes that have taken place in the past 100 years from the 3 J's to manufacturing to biomedical and gaming hub is astounding! Dundee is just big enough to keep you excited, but small enough to retain a sense of community and you 'cannae walk aboot toon withoot bumpin intae somebody ye ken!'
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is eternally encouraging towards the cultivation of new groups and ideas no matter what the subject matter is. I make cartoons &amp; comics, a big part of that comes from Dundee's comic publications I read when I was young!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sun always shines in Dundee - a walk down by the Tay and the bridge on a beautiful day, so peaceful (and you are still in the middle of the city!).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the belief that Dundee people have in Dundee as a place to live. Our city sometimes gets bad press for some socially undesireable statistics but we defend our city's pride with great belief. Belief that our city can provide us with a place of enjoyment, nurture and development for our families to strive in. Dundee has a fantastic array of culture to be involved in and i am glad to be an active citizen with a young family in this thriving city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Just love my home town. No matter where I go, it doesn't live up to Dundee!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great place.....great past, present and future
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has been a thriving cultural hub for decades if not centuries. With the refurbishment of the McManus Galleries the Dundee story has been well expressed and both reflected and built upon. The creation of the V&amp;A and the building of a new railway station by 2017 will allow Dundee to be more easily shared with the rest of the UK and the city of culture status would further evidence that we as a city have an exciting future ahead.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Ricky Flynn Memorial Bench on Daisy Hill in Baxter Park. A peaceful place in memoriam of a great kid. Morgan Academy pupil, Ricky Flynn was tragically killed in 2010 when he was struck by a taxi heading west along Kingsway East. His friends and family placed the memorial bench on the top of Daisy Hill which over looks Baxter Park and the Tay. A calm place to rest and reflect.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the sunniest city in Scotland with the sunniest personality. We have great nightlife, with sociable friendly inhabitants.Theatres &amp; music. The Blues festival - biggest in Europe! Great walks - over the Sidlaws, or by the silvery Tay, or through one of the many parks. So many activities - some for the young - some for the old - and some for the rest in-between. Football ...with friendly rivalry! etc etc etc
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history of Dundee speaks for itself. Since those illustrious days, it's had its fair share of critics but deep down I believe the nay-sayers are envious of Dundee's determination to strive forwards and fulfil its undoubted potential. Viva la Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its cinemas and theatres - such good quality in a smaller city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a fantastic city! I'm proud to be brought up in Dundee. The city has loads of culture, we are getting the V&amp;A which only London has, we are getting a £1 billion project on the mouth of the Tay and we are home to one of the greatest comic book series in the UK I love Dundee and I think we should earn the 2017 City of Culture
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is open and welcoming with a diverse and vibrant arts culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee city is the safest city in all scotland and it is very clean and quite...it can be classified the one of first five cities in UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay park is just beautiful and people don't mention it enough or talk about it. Exploring the really old massive grave monuments on the hills in the park on a sunny day are great.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved from a tiny town to dundee. A city my friends referred to as "scumdee" but to me it's now home. Every morning I look out my window and I can see the Tay, trees blooming in spring &amp; rarely but beautifully the sun shining. I love dundee and I love how it surprised me by comparing to my home town of Thurso.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city of great cultural richness, but the area in which I feel it excels is that of theatre. Both professionally, with the ensemble at Dundee Rep, and in the amateur field, Dundee presents an amazing variety of theatrical performances. Recent amateur productions include "Cats", "The Sound of Music" and "Whistle Down the Wind" with "Miss Saigon School Edition", "Parade" and "Spamalot" still to come this year. Absolutely fabulous darling! l
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay Park Cemetery
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The bars and pubs are ace! My two favourites are The Art Bar and The Speedwell Bar (AKA Mennie's) - quite different from one another but both very friendly, unique and wonderful. The fact that 20 minutes drive in any direction takes you into fantastic countryside. Dundee is surrounded by beautiful hills, glens, lochs..... Great for outdoor activities. Hill walking in summer and snowboarding / skiing in winter (or spring this year!).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Based in Dundee you can, within a short drive, ski, snowboard, sail, windsurf, shoot, curl, skate, golf and a whole lot more. Not many cities can claim that. Culturally the REp and DCA are amazing but the surrounding county towns also offer so much.
<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> 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> One of the buried hidden secrets for me is the old Dundee Rep Theatre. I was lucky enough to work there as a child and teenager. These opportunities embedded within me a voice, a confidence and an understanding of others. It also catapulted me into drama school, teaching and lecturing in colleges and universities across Scotland. Dundee introduced me to the Drama and shaped my personal,professional and cultural life/lifestyles. Work has taken me away for 35 years and I only returned 2 years ago. A working class "laddie fae the scheme" who turned "oot no too bad!" I am not the hero in this story..Dundee is!! Cityof Discovery indeed!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> McManus galleries offer a wonderful insight into the rich history of the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The energy and buzz in the city as the waterfront development progresses as well as the vibrant culture in the city with some great venues - The DCA, The Rep and the McManus all spring to mind. The addition of the V&amp;A is going to be fabulous.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Such a friendly city and also so much great music groups about. Choirs, Orchestras, bands etc.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I know where I am here, I'm comfortable, and although it can be annoying, it is quite a beautiful place
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Theatrical elements of the cultural life in Dundee only exist due to the hard working off stage volunteers (and staff) who spend time on committees, creating costumes, making scenery, dealing with the admin, fundraising, marketing and lots of other tasks. They are often under appreciated.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The best friendships I've had have been those which constantly redefine themselves over a long period of time. That's the way I feel about Dundee. As someone who was born here, Dundee is a place that has meant a variety of different things for me as I have grown older particularly within the arts. The Dundee Schools music programme is a great way to get people involved in music from a young age, giving you the confidence to develop into a talented young adult. The music scene has always been fantastic, with places such as beat generator, putting on local talent and the recent programming of WestFest during the summer months this is something that continues to grow. Music is just one example of how Dundee thrives within the arts, we have the literary Festival, the science festival and a festival of shorts for designed purely for children. This is unique as far as I am aware. The talent is not just imported here from all over the globe, it also nurtured here, in the young which is extremely important.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendliness and work by the council on encouraging events and businesses to the city (I organise an event in the city, annually, and am struck by the support for it by the council and staff.)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Groucho's. The shop itself ain't squirreled away, but unless you look for them, the treasures inside will elude you. A proper visit takes time, patience, an open mind and a well-honed record-rifling technique. Never mind Dundee - it's the only shop in Scotland a man can enter with no agenda and strut out like a champion, having bought an original, mint condition pressing of Bill Withers' seminal 1972 album "Still Bill", totally by accident.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rest of Scotland sneering at Dundee, because...?
<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> 'Forgotten' history and potential...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Art &amp; Design courses at Dundee College are brilliant! The teaching staff are so enthusiastic and are supportive to all students. The Gardyne Campus is a beautiful and welcoming place to study. This is a vibrant and exciting place - the V&amp;A will be right at home when it comes to Dundee with all the homegrown talent alraedy here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the weather the sunniest corner of scotland. all the new changes going on its going to look fab. the people and the good clean air makes dundee special for me.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The negative attitude of some Dundonians about the aspirations of this great city. Wake up, smell the coffee and see all the great things happening here.
<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&amp;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'

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