We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

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Every time I come back to Dundee it’s changed – something new and something different, each & 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> Every time I leave Dundee, I think I'm done with it. I return grudgingly, only to realise that Dundee is not done with me. I rediscover lost pockets of memories. I discover hidden gems. I reconnect with old friends. I engage with new communities. Music, film, photography, games, animation, journalism, fine art... A city full of potential the world has yet to appreciate. It's time.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendly People
new independant shops opening

Events - Free Dundee Uni lectures on a Saturday
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay park because of its views across the river tay and observatory. Its good for walks in summer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of the best places to go and have your lunch in the city centre in summer time is actually... cemetery. Howff Burial Ground. It's just across the street from the post office on Meadowside. It's surprisingly quiet and calm. You got to try it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the only city in the whole of the UK with Red Squirrels within the city boundaries. As an iconic species for Scotland this says a lot for Dundee and shows the depth of commitment from its Ranger Service and Parks Management. Camperdown Wildlife Centre is a very important conservation site for endangered species across Europe and the World, and plays an important role in educating our younger people and serves as a main centre of attraction.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Head of Cinema at DCA was on the jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people (Dundonians) are very friendly,the city is very good and ideal for academic studies.
<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> Some beautiful old buildings, an exciting waterfront, good shopping streets, plans for new V&amp;A gallery.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am three and I love visiting the libraries for storytimes and crafts. I also love spending time at the museum and Camperdown Park. which has fun play areas.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm always inspired by the people in the City running their own businesses and getting involved in promoting the area - we live in a fantastic, innovative and creative place - its a stunning spot...I particularly love the architecture of our buildings!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the individual shops in areas like Broughty Ferry &amp; in the West End. Such a refreshing change from other cities. Also the Cheesery in Exchange Street in the city centre - we need more places like this in every town &amp; city. Dundee sets a great example
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the West end of Dundee. It still has the little businesses that have been pushed out of other cities by big chains.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Came for 1 year stayed for 26years  
Dundee is a village really where you can:
Run drum write skate scoot sail and hike.
Or be mindfull, chant and breathe
Or learn and be surprised
Or explore and create something new
 Dundee doesnt limit.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The stories my gran told me of her time in the jute mills will never be forgotten. What terrible conditions to work under, for very little pay. The hard times they lived through made the women of Dundee strong but humorous, and a real sense of family. My gran's, and her parents, philosophy on family has been passed down the generations to my own children. Dundonian and proud.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Rama Thai restaurant is wonderful as is Parlour Cafe and the city is vegetarian/vegan friendly compared to most, especially of this size.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sunshine, and endless summer days of digging our allotment up on the Law, enjoying a BBQ and the amazing view over to Fife...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is absolutely packed with cute little off the wall cafés and bars, a great art and science scene, and a vibrant and innovative university. For a fairly small city, it packs a lot in! To win the city of culture award would serve to boost all of these things and enhance the city even more.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a strong community which is full of people who are more than willing to embrace change to the city. It has got a great mixture of old and new and plenty of things to do for all ages. Plays, musicals, dance, sport, live bands, art, great restaurants, bars, pubs, shopping, outdoor activities, parks, woodlands, beach, the tay, with plenty more on the doorstep how could you not love it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think Dundee is much more beautiful than a lot of people realise. There are some stunning buildings and because so much of it is on a hill there are some beautiful views of the river. I like going to the graveyard next to the Westpark Conference Centre and looking across the river.

Other things I like about Dundee - the DCA, the amazing Dundee Roller Girls roller derby team, the Creative Dundee movement that seems to be developing, the little independent shops and cafes that are hidden away and some of the lovely green spaces we have.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Despite Dundonians propensity to bemoan and belittle their city , Dundee punches above its weight for many reasons: Two universities that are leaders in their respective fields; University of Dundee, the mature sibling an internationally renowned leader in medicine and cancer research. Abertay, the cocky younger sibling, leading the way in video gaming, forging dynamic international links with major players and its internationally acclaimed ‘Dare to be Digital’ competition. Art with the nationally acclaimed Rep, local amateur companies and the DCA with cutting edge exhibitions and foreign cinema. Accessible history with the McManus Museum, Discovery Point, Verdant Works and the Howff an ‘A’ listed Burial Ground.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazing creative culture for artists, designers, musicians, developers and more...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The most sunny city in Scotland has a lot to offer. Great walks, great pubs and a small enough city to walk from one end to the other and at least seeing one person to wave at.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What has surprised me recently about Dundee and makes me proud to be a Dundee boy, is our ability to realize and act upon our ever growing potential as one of Britain's main culture hub's.

With things like the West Fest charitable community culture festival that kicks off on the 18th of May aboard HM Frigate Unicorn. The festival harnesses and celebrates our many unique talents and attributes as a tight nit society!

It is things like this that makes me and many others love my home city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nearing my 21st birthday as a born and bred, living, working, studying Dundonian I love the endless adventuring that can be done within the city. Having a wee gander at the McManus, DCA or Hannah McClure Centre. Meandering up to the Campy, Baxter Park or Magdalen Green. Even venturing as far as the Ferry. The best thing is that having a nosey is in our nature and everyone is welcome to explore.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sunshine, the things to do and see, the people
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Travel from Dundee to Broughty Ferry on the road that follows the River Tay and see one of the most perfect views I have ever seen. This view has been captured by various local artists with some spectacular results.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a masters degree student: the inclusiveness, fairness and friendly international climate within the University of Dundee.

As an experienced Latin American knowledge entrepreneur, the quietness of the city that helped me revisit my professional goals in life.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee? Perhaps I could begin with what doesn't surprise me - the friendliness of the people, for which Dundee is rightly famous. I have lived in many places across the UK and in the US and I never felt so welcome as a newcomer. What does surprise me is the compactness of the city - everything is within a few minutes' walk - and especially the glorious surroundings. Dundee has the most attractive location of any British city, from the always changing views over the Firth, to the Angus and Perthshire countryside. I've been here for eight months, and I already feel like a Dundonian.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of Dundee's hidden secrets is the wonderful night sky which can be seen above and around it - as most Dundonians sleep there can often be see the Northern Lights and rare Noctilucent clouds giving a wonderful backdrop to the city. Dundee is a photographers paradise - from the at times quirky architecture, its stunning location on the Tay, its bridges, its surrounding countryside, and its people - always varied, always individual, always Dundonian :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sense of humour in Dundee is fantastic! We don't take ourselves too seriously but we do appreciate our rich cultural heritage. Strong women play a big part - past and present!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a pupil who is and has been part of many Dundee Schools activities, such as Dundee Schools' Music Theatre, the Youth Music Initiative and Dundee Schools Orchestras, I have been able to perform on stage at the Caird Hall and the Whitehall Theatre, I have made many new friends and I have learned many different skills.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The real characters. The amazing sights. The classic bridges. The underground music scene. The ever growing arts scene. The tastiest steak pies. The shimmering Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a wonderful, supportive creative community, who welcome new makers to the city. It also has some great green spaces, like Magdalen Green, which are used to hold all kinds of community events.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I don't think people understand the sheer level of creative ability that derives from DJCAD each year. Making the move to Dundee from Northern Ireland 4 years ago has been the best thing for me as a creative individual. The people make the city. They are the culture and they are the future. I feel privileged to have been part of a thriving art school, so much so that I'm basing my final year 'Interior + Environmental Design' Degree Show project on the prospect of a design graduate event space on Dundee's very own Tay Road Bridge, that would exist not only as an cultural and creative interface for DJCAD, but to commemorate the desired '2017 City of Culture' status.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a fabulous city in the most stunning location in Europe. That's no surprise to those of us who have grown up here and still live here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sense of pride Dundonians have in their city is incredible! The Dundonian sense of humour stands apart from that of other cities. Everyone is so welcoming and makes time to speak to others. That's what makes the difference.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My son Don Nicolson and daughter Cindy Nicolson were both born in the city. Don is a singer songwriter who won Dougie McCleans songwriter of the year award a few years back, and plays solo gigs all over the place. Cindy is also a singer songwriter who sings solo and is a vocalist/guitarist/songwriter with the group Mamasbaby which plays all over Perth and dundee, the highlands and toured europe as did Don. They are very talented people and come from a long line of musicians. My father who died at the age of 37 from cancer was a singer song writer too and he was the trainer for the under 21s Osborne team in Dundee back in the 40`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.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Where we start? Frigate Unicorn, five or is it six castles, the Rep, the Botanic gardens, Tannadice park, DCA, Discovery, the Tay bridge, Camperdown House and park, two Universities, Geddes quad, the Space, McManus galleries, St Mary's tower, Balgay park, Observatory, Maggies centre, Ninewells, this list goes on.
<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> DCA Cinema has one of the richest programmes, you could imagine. From international to documentary, it's all good.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is full of secrets - a walk around the town shows so many hidden things we miss when driving around. The Dundee women's trail, for example and the Time Gun at Dudhope Park. Our parks are glorious!

I also believe we are responsible for the culinary innovation of 'The Mince Roll'. We deserve credit for that.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee used to be the butt of jokes, but no more!! People from all over the world come to study here and decide not to leave because they can see the potential of the city. There is a great sense of humour here too - I love how if someone gets a bit above their station there is usually some wit armed with a razorsharp comeback to put them firmly back in their place :D
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm most supprised by the amount of hidden gems, which many people simply do not know about, from the buildings/architecture, if you spend some time looking up! to the attractions and then on to the diversity of the open spaces and mixture on the doorstep. How many other cities can boast a beach, sea front and river bank, a volcano, universities and vibrant cultural quarters, not to mention quality attractions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so many "hidden secrets" - people, places organisations that excel and are world-leading in what they do - but we never hear about them. Who would have thought that a Dundee firm most of us have never heard of would have its product in the Clinton Presidential Library in Arkansas!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has contributed so much to the story of Britain. When it has done so it has done so without making a big noise about it. Dundee in its culture is hard-working, entrepreneurial, daring and resilient. Its character of modesty, coupled with its humanitarian and internationalist outlook, means that few outside Dundee appreciate what Dundee has done for Scotland, Britain, Europe and the wider world because Dundee has not boasted about it. Geographically, Dundee has been quite insular giving its culture a very distinct and individual character which, to the outsider can seem quite dark and obtuse, but humorously so!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The high level of cultural events, and places to visit
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee City of Discovery its all in the name so much to discover in and around the city. Lovely cultural area city centre and great park sand open spaces surrounding, so much versatility in a big village!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I like the penguins in the centre of town and by the Discovery!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I recently moved here as an intern in the University of Dundee Museum Services. I am delighted to be part of a city with so much culture, and I was surprised at the amount of history and culture Dundee has. Knowing hardly anything about the city, I look forward to learning all there is to know (if that's even possible!)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A Great Place to live, with stuff always on!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a social and mobile games developer headquartered in the heart of Scotland's creative industry, we have been privileged to meet and work with some incredibly talented people. Whether industry professionals, graduates or students, we are continually blown away by the creative and innovative minds of Dundee's experienced and upcoming creative talent.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Both born and bred dundonians, and the people who have chosen to live here all have a great outlook and sense of community spirit which is great to be a part of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My recollection of first travelling out Strathmartin Road by tram will always stay with me. I am pleased that the tram depot is to be reopened as a transport museum. The tram cars were very sociable, they were where you met people, and found out what was going on. The secret was the way the turned, the conductors has to reverse the seats, and the driver changed ends!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The team and young people at Hot Chocolate Trust in Dundee city centre - amazing, top quality youthwork going on. It's like a family. Also the wee garden in the middle of Perth Road, opposite the university, with the miniature bandstand. The flowers are always lovely and the view is brilliant.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sitting in front of St Mary Magdalene's church in the summer watching the world go by.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative atmosphere in the city.
<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> The language, the humour, the vibrant music and arts scene, the beloved characters that are a part of the city. From McGonagle to Michael Marra, from Broughty Castle to the Beano. Dundee has a culture, soul, heart all it's own that endures despite being on the fringe and despite being a city which many pass through.
<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> 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> 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> Dundee is beautiful and glamorous. The city is small but sentimental, with old and new. There is no place like it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Has kept up with the pace of change, and led it some technology fields
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is ideally situated it is city but feels like a small knit community. It is situated on the river Tay but is surrounded by countryside making it a beautiful place all year round. Dundee is growing and full of surprises with a buzzing, arts, music, academic and sports scene that is going from strength to strength.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> CULTURE!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the quintessence of quirkiness and that's why I love it. Independent bar Clarks on North Lindsay Street is my favourite place for a night out- a rare gem where people go to have a great time with friends and strangers alike, with good prices, excellent music and a genuinely friendly vibe.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> You can be in stunning countryside within 15 minutes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the fact that the city has the feeling of a town, but still has such great amenities. We have museums, universities, shops, restaurants, parks, etc all so close together; for visitors it's an ideal 'no hassle' place to come and explore.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Moved up here from the Home counties Kent ,the garden of England to Dundee some 13 years ago. Away from the mad rush and no time for this and that.
The people in Dundee are so freindly and helpful they seem to have time for one another. It has a relaxing feel to the place and made to feel very welcome. It has a great deal to offer something for everyone, and iis at an exciting time with the city wide future development projects.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The multitude of events hosted throughout the year - jazz; dance; classical music; talks; comedy; recent major art exhibitions at the McManus; and more. Just wish I had more time to go to them all!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Always busy in Dundee--family events all year round, theatre, outdoor, sport...if only there were more days in the week. So many shows to see, exhibitions to visit, alone, with children or groups...Dundee offers it all on my doorstep! I wake up to the vista that is the beautiful Tay, flanked by unique bridges and city architecture..a joy to cross that river into the heart of a city, minutes away for miles of pleasure.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee - a great place for a hot mince roll !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Not sure about a hidden secret, the secret seems to be the combination of contrasts that enrich each (besides the emerging strengths of "real" culture):
The Tay, different from all heights and angles (foregrounds of beautiful parks (Balgay Hill, Magdalen Green) or industrial heritage or multis or Meggie's Centre);
Buildings old and new of different uses (the Mecca Bingo beside the church, the mosque among the old jute mills, the new university buildings beside old houses, the medieval arches under the pub back exit);
And then the "real" culture as it spreads throughout the city: Scottish Dance Theatre and Dundee Schools Musical Theatre, Community Theatre in the Rep, small scale viewings in the DCA and Hannah Mclure Centre, school competitions (art and music).
Not sure this helps (sorry)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an "immigrant" to Dundee I am continually boosted by its determination to develop and improve what it offers to the community. So small a city but with amazing museums, science centre, galleries, parks, forests, beaches ...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee West is a cultural festival led by the community. It has developed from a standing start into an extremely successful and community engaging festival in a very short time through the dedication of members of the community.
<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> 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> The off the beaten track arts in the city . Weather its the colour of westfest or the viberance of the artists its all good .Very very good.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Roseangle gallery, art exhibitions at the Botanic gardens,the paintings in the new gallery on South Tay street, the beautiful jewellery at the DCA shop...the list goes on.So much talent and so much creativity in his town.As an outsider who emigrated toDundee from India in 2001,I have watched the city reinvent itself culturally.I love Dundee and I hope to never leave.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> With such an industrial history Dundee has a surprising amount of green spaces. Whatever the weather there is somewhere beautiful to go out walking with the dog.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The greatest hidden secret relating to the City at the moment is George McCann's EBook, entitled, The Eight Hale Mary's of Dundee, Scotland
The book essentially refers to the inspiration for it, which is a set of statues located on the rooftop of the McManus Art and Museum Galleries, originally the Albert Institute. The book delves into the history of Dundee prior to the Institute being built. The architect George, Gilbert Scott, is a central character. The story follows the progress of Muirfield Contracts, who carried out the latest refurbishment, and collates details of interesting artefacts within and surrounding the building. An 1860s Sanitary inspector is in the tale, as are local conditions and worldwide events taking place at the time. The ancient Howff cemetery and the associated Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee command considerable space. The future of Dundee is left in the hands of those who will oversee it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the aspirations of a larger city but the scale of a town. That scale fosters the feeling of community; whether in a cafe on the Perth Road or a pub in the city centre, a hike up Balgay Hill or a walk along the esplanade, you always bump into people you know or recognise faces you pass. Dundee is a Jeckyll and Hyde city with local Dundonians; their communities and institutions sharing the city alongside thousands of students with their bars and shops. You make up your mind which is Jeckyll and which, Hyde!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Not just a town. Born and bred there and although I live many miles away now I'm always returning to my home town with its fabulous memories. Structural Dundee has changed dramatically over the years but its the people who make a place and Dundee certainly has a mixture of all sorts.
Great people, great city and great memories!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Rich industrial history with women working in the mills and their male folk staying at home boiling kettles and looking after the bairns
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a vibrant city where something is going on all the time....events vary from concerts, talks, lectures, balls , sports, festivals, nightlife, presentations , art, movies, galleries and exhibitions to parties.
Soon the V&amp;A will become the living room of the city so why not support Dundee for the City of culture 2017
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The pride of being home to 'the world's worst poet' William McGonagall. Taking a walk by the riverside you get to see the immortal words of the sage like McGonagall carved in stone next to his beloved 'silvery Tay.'
A city with a sense of humour.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> culture in the city is for ordinary people, not just the elite
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a lovely wee city and an obvious choice for the UK City of Culture 2017! The view of the bridges driving along Riverside Drive are breathtaking. There are lots of lovely independant wee cafes and shops making it unique and there is so many exciting new developments taking place it really is the place to be!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the perfect sized city. Everything is close and you can walk the distances easily or take a bike. The location is also perfect. It's close to the sea and at the same time close to the bigger cities and the Highlands. A walk along the river Tay when the sun sets is always special!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came to Dundee for a short period and now 14 years later it is my home. I love the size of the city and the village feel. Mrs William's newsagent in the Perth Road has been operating for over 30 years and who better to pop in and visit of a morning than herself. She has become a good friend and we will all sorely miss her when she retires in the near future. It's people like this along with its vibrant art scene and waterfront location that makes Dundee a truly unique place to live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is vibrant with a historic combination of post-industrial feel coupled with an exciting new and positive outlook. The cultural heritage of the Tay, the UKs largest river by volume, and its gateway to the iconic mountains of scotland give it a unique feel. Being new to Dundee and having fresh eyes, the thing that strikes me most is the friendliness and desire to get things right. This includes ambitious plans for sustainable futures, and a University that is at the heart of ideals for transformation.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Spend the week in the bustling city centre at the McManus Galleries or shopping in the Overgate and the weekend with the family at Camperdown Park or Discovery Quay. There is always something to do!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I like the village atmosphere of all the computer games companies in Dundee. We're all part of one team and we're all clearly proud of what Dundee has done and continues to do in this field. There's so much more team spirit than competition here and it only gets better when the students and universities get involved.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the city with a village mentality. It has a great community.
From arts venues like the DCA and the rep which continue to provide thought provoking art, to pop culture such as the comics industry and DOJ-con there is always something on offer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Lots of hidden design talent springing from djcad
<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> One Cultural event that I really enjoyed taking part in was the city wide production of "Witches Blood 2". ( This was community theatre at it's best! ).

There is many more current examples of community theatre in Dundee, the production of "This Town" at the Verdant works being a another good example.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I support popular culture in the form of William McGonagall.

How can he be the world's worst poet when his writing is still printed and repeated a century and a half after he wrote it?

I keep finding nineteenth century 'poetry' that does not appear to scan so it is not the overwhelming criticism that is widely made by those who patronize him.

His poetry should be celebrated without embarrassment.

McGonagall, Beano and Dandy would make a good counterweight to more highbrow contributions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm always pleased to see so much activity to meet new people and discover what projects are happening. There is so much excitement to do with innovation and design. There are so many beautiful things that made so many creatives.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In my opinion Dundee is the ideal candidate for City of Culture. It has a 'ripe', 'up for it' feel that reeks readiness for the challenge and the honours that come with this accolade. The goodness in the people of Dundee will fulfil this role and will ensure a rich harvest of culture with the greatest of pride.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What's really surprised me since moving to Dundee - after living in Edinburgh and Newcastle - is how easy it is to get a creative project off the ground. Want to find others with the skills to design a game, shoot a film, form a band, or start a creative business? Everyone is here in Dundee - and amazingly willing to help you. A lot has been said about Dundee's 'Goldilocks' size - not too big and not too small. Dundee is just the right size to make amazing creative things happen, whatever your skills, interests and ambitions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Quite a few things.....Cycling to work and seeing seals on the sandbanks of the Tay! The Howff as a picnic spot and new independent coffee shops. The Cheesery....ok, that's all food related....The view of the river at night with the twinkly lights across the Tay.. Straightforwardness and modesty of the people. Creativity and accessibility. The wonderful research going on and the impact and distinctiveness of our universities.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its capacity to evolve
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Getting to know Dundees creative scene is a rich journey of discovery. It's not a city to wear its cultural heart on its sleeve but once you start to squirrel in on what's keeping the artistic pulse beating it turns out the heartbeat is strong, varied, hard hitting and rich. And most of all friendly and welcoming. Come investigate under the skin of the city too...

:)

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