We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

Tin Roof arts collective – a group of artists doing amazing things.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having recently moved to England it's lovely to hear people I meet speak about the Beano, as many members of my family worked at DC Thomson.
I think it's amazing that the Beano and other comics are still so popular and loved on such a wide scale.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Attitude: Dundee has an impenetrable positivity - people just get on with things here and look forward to the next gig ;D
<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> The innovation and culture that are driving forward a more welcoming, diverse and creative Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Heading into Dundee over the Tay rail bridge early morning, with mist on the Tay and the sun coming up is magical
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the only city in Scotland which has a dedicated internet TV channel which anyone can join in and Dundee is just like that it's a place willing to accept new ideas and try out new concepts.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee just does things. No messing around. If they want something to happen they just make it so.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The council music and musical theatre provision. Fantastic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A quite lovely nice city, warm studying atmosphere. close facilities to students, universities of good worldwide reputation. Dundonians are so kind and lovely, they welcome internationals and give them the real feel of home. love you Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> "The Speedwell Bar ( Ma Mennies'), Perth Road, Dundee
is one Edwardian public house that has retained its original shopfront and fittings, due to their exceptional craftsmanship.

One of the very few pubs in Scotland and the only pub in Dundee having been listed for the quality of its interior"
Adam Swan, Chartered Town Planner, Dundee District Council"

Built in 1903 on the site of a well for the Lord Provost James Speed the Speedwell is acclaimed in the Daily Telegraph (3/4/09) asone of the Uk's best 70 pubs.

Home of Dundee's William McGonagall Appreciation Society
<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> I spent 4 years in Dundee at university and discovered what a beautiful city it is. Everyone is welcoming.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> SCUMDEE they said, don't go there. But I did.
This is a city with ambition and guts, somewhere to watch. So much has changed in the last 10 years, I can't wait to watch in awe as the city expands into it's beautiful setting, stretching it's legs and showing the world what it is all about.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What suprises me? -the people! The people of Dundee really do make the city. Because of its size there are familiar faces at most events but a lot of new ones too - the Dundee natives are a friendly bunch and are slowly but surely changing the attitudes of people who think of the city as a poor relation with nothing going on. We have a lot to shout about!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wealth of great private and public golf courses, that are very well designed and challenging, including the links course at Carnoustie and the beautiful landscaping of Downfield Golf Club. International visits could purchase special passes during the year of culture to Dundee private and public clubs in order to play golf on them all - a passport - could be offered.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Born and bred here.Moved away for a few years but decided it was the only place I wanted to raise a family. Family members have attended the 'academies' - Harris Morgan Lawside and more recently Grove. Graduates of both universities have entered teaching and 3 generations have made our contributions to education. Am surprised at how moving I have found these comments and contributions and it's wonderful to see such support for 2017 in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I got my PhD degree in Dundee. In that three years, I was surprised about the clear sky, clear water, clear air and wonderful landscape. I also was very enjoyable about the night-life in the bars. I think now it is a traditional culture of Dundee. There are several bars on street which have been existed for more than 100 years. I always went to the 'The counting house' established in 1893 to drink beer, and eat the wonderful steaks in each Tuesday,s night. I also like the ancient church building, like the McManos.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so much going on and it is all within easy reach! Having two Universities, the fabulous DCA (Dundee Contempory Arts) and the McManus Art Gallery to name only a few brilliant cultural resources there is always public lectures, exhibitions, activities and places to meet family and friends to eat and drink. Broughty Ferry has beautiful beaches which are great for walks, sunbathing, water sports and the castle ~ not forgetting New Years Dook!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everyday is a surprise, I have lived and loved Dundee since the day I was born here in 1960. There have been many changes, a few not so good but many more for the good of the City. It keeps growing and growing..I am proud to be a Dundonian, and I think I am talking for all Dundonians......that's why people who leave always come back, why would you live anywhere else.....we should be the new City of Culture in 2017. Dundee deserves it....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is something about Dundee, probably that it overlooks the Tay, that makes it always dazzlingly bright. Dundee has many hidden gems. As a student, we often climb up Law Hill to the beautiful view or visit the large number of character filled pubs, cafes and food places near uni. My flatmates and I have found a wonderful cafe called T Ann Cake, behind Caird Hall. Dundee is a great and easy place to socialise because of its size everywhere near town is generally walkable.However, there could be more in terms of tourist attractions, including a bigger cinema in town.
<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> 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> I received my BSc in electrical and engineering and electronics from Dundee University and enjoyed my time there, especially as it was within the city, not on a separate campus. The local people could not have been more welcoming to a "Sassenach" such as I and the city has much to offer visitors. Located in a sheltered spot between the river Tay and the hill (or "law") it has a mild microclimate. As a remarkably well preserved Victorian mill town, it many beautiful buildings solidly built from local grey sandstone. I particularly enjoyed attending concerts in the Caird hall.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is full of wonderful musicians, people and their own humour. The redevelopment that is going on is so overdue and when finished will place Dundee well and truly on the map of culture where it so rightly belongs.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee thoroughly deserves to be considered as UK City of Culture for 2017 to help enhance our status for excellent cultural provision and to help widen the levels of participation.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing surprises me about Dundee - it's the visitors to the city that get surprised.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I first came to Dundee 10 years ago from the leafy suburbs of Birmingham, I was totally surprised by the amount of green space here! The parks are plentiful and overspilling with avid sports fans and players at the weekend. There are climbing facilities, go-karting, combat style laser quest, indoor football, fantastic kids play parks, wildlife centre, ice rink, cinemas, music venues, art centres and museums, conference facilities and that's all without hitting the beautiful beaches! Dundee is the hidden secret!
<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> Dundee's biggest secret is... THE PEOPLE!! We have such a varied mix of ethnicities and locals with rich histories going back to the mills, etc.
Our places of education speak for themselves too.
To not acquaint yourself with the riches of local culture, places of beauty and interest in Dundee would be a big miss.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Daffoidils every where , beautiful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The most exciting thing for me recently was discovering all about the law tunnel! It would be amazing to be able to see it and walk through a piece of history that had been shut away for so long.
<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> The vast cosmopolitanism for one. The combination of Vibrant university atmosphere and a sprawling city combine to make Dundee a pretty special place. Everything from looking at the Tay whilst on Magdalen Green or the sight of The Discovery ship as you get of the train. Awesome
<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> Nothing surprises me about Dundee. I am a proud Dundonian and think my city deserves to be shown off to a wider audience.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> - Blues Bonanza events
- Secret places
- Easy-going people, who became great friends
- Dukes' Corner

And loads of other stuff
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sunniest city in Scotland with people with the biggest hearts and friendliest natures
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The traditional music scene, the Wighton centre monthly concerts and weekly tuition, the Fisherman's open sessions every Thursday in the Ferry and Tuesday in Mennies, the folk night at Clark's every Sunday, to name a few. Dundee's vibrant music scene spans the generations, from Tayside Young Fiddlers to Sheena Wellington. We more than pull our weight in keeping traditional music alive in Britain.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was surprised how much cricket goes on in Dundee and the surrounding area. There are four clubs in Dundee alone, and some really nice grounds. Back Dundee and back grass-roots cricket!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an international student I presented a topic by powerpoint in a language class about , " Dundee, the city of innovation and the city of discovery "
My presentation was well but what I would like to let you know is the history I tried to learn about this city from prehistoric era till date are really amazing. Those are with so many discoveries and innovations.
particularly my take home message is Dundee went on through castles and battles in earlier ages, city of discovery (year-1900),jam-jute -journalism—late 18th century, a golden time in 1950s and 1960s- employment vs industrial revolution, city of scholars and researchers(one of the intellectual communities in this planet).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> So many different things for a variety of ages etc.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Botanic Gardens is a hidden treasure of Dundee. Lots to see, do and eat for all the family at any time of year! Dundee people are always positive, happy, friendly people and this is one of the best things about the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having recently retired to Dundee from London I have been amazed at the diversity of cultural activities on offer here. The wealth of films shown at the DCA for every type of audience; the excellent repertory company and the brilliant Scottish Dance Company based in Dundee and now gaining an international reputation; the Discovery Centre, the Verdant Works Museum, and the Caird Hall hosting visits from international ballet companies and orchestras,and the V&amp;A coming soon. Dundee is already a city of culture!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fact you can turn a corner and find an amazing piece of street art, or a medieval building or just meet an interesting character, who's always friendly and willing to share
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the mixture of science, art. The life sciences research community and the art community often join together to create something surprising, whether that's participation of undergraduate artists in an international science competition, portraits of women researchers on display for the women in science festival, or art exhibitions in the zoology museum. It's amazing to see these two communities having such fun together!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is large enough to be a vibrant city, but small enough to still have a small-town friendliness. I work in tourism, and visitors are continually surprised by the overall attitude of Dundonians - it's what keeps bringing people back to the city, and why I'd rather be here than anywhere else.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an incredible selection of events, plays, music, exhibitions and talks, especially for a city of this size. I moved here from Sweden, and find it so much easier and fulfilling to live in Dundee. I live down by the Tay and have a magnificent view of Fife, the River and the sea. Hidden secrets? Well, Jazz nights on the Unicorn are quite an experience and the city is full of small cobbled alleyways such as Candle Lane, which is my way home. Last not least, the people must be considered a cultural treasure, friendly and with a very dry sense of humour. Go for it Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is and was a fantastic place to go to university. All four siblings in my family went there with no prior connection to the city. Our son is now there too and loves it. Dundee is still very much a hidden treasure and has some amazing new projects planned in the next few years. For those of us who came from small towns it is a lovely "smaller" city with a lot to offer, especially for students. The riverfront is beautiful and becoming more so as those projects come to fruition.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> If culture was designed so that it touched everyone in some way then Dundee would the exemplar project. Whether that's the Blues festival, shows at the Rep, exhibitions at the McManus or taking the kids to the Science Centre. Music, media and the arts seem to come as second nature to the City. Music and those who perform it, in particular, reflects the cultural heritage of Dundee well. Oor Willie might say - 'jings, help ma boab, that's just braw'!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Oozing with creativity, and supportive people, from far and wide. Dundee, as many of its inhabitants, stands overly modest about what a great place it is to cultivate culture, with many exceptional pockets of talent and ambition, the city is a stage set for a fantastic show.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a great city to write about because it has so many different faces; such a wealth of cultures and locations and sounds and languages. Dundee is a novelist's city with many novels written in, written about, being written in and yet-to-be-written here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great variety of culture
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it's alive, diverse, has art, history and Scottish dance theatre!! dont let it loose so much from so little and can be huge!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design continues to 'fleh heh' as one of Britain's Top 5 art schools, but paradoxically remains a hidden gem, both locally and nationally.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is Scotland's best kept secret. A cosmopolitan city rich in tradition, culture and enterprise. A contemporary place to live and work. An innovation city with a real sense of purpose and ambition to realize it.
<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> 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> The warmth of the people, it's such a friendly place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came to Dundee for University, not knowing anyone and living by myself for the very first time. It was scary to say the least. But, Dundee is one of the most friendliest places I've ever been and straight away I felt welcomed.
I've grown to love this little city and can't ever imagine leaving so much so I'm staying another year to study my Masters.
As well as this the city offers so much for creatives, in Summer 2012 I got the chance to intern for 'Vanilla Ink', it is businesses like this that make Dundee, and it should be recongised, we may be a small city but we have A LOT of talent!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That it continually reinvents itself as a city of learning and life. Keep up the good work.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> great city for students
<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> We have such a vast amount of interesting places and things to do. My great grandchildren are here for Easter so we intend doing The Rock Garden/Broughty Ferry Castle/Sensation Centre/DCA/Verdant Works etc etc. and their excitement is hard to contain. Also as a family we think Dundee has one of the best music scenes going on as well.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has some hidden gems of delightful restaurants and cafes that are original and varied. Having lived in Dundee for 6 years now I am still amazed at all the new places I am discovering. This on the backdrop of amazing surroundings and scenery is just one of the things that makes Dundee amazing!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Legend has it that Jack the Ripper is buried under Bell Street... Last man to be hanged in Dundee... Allegedly....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a place of great opportunity. It is easy to get in touch with folk about an idea you have and to see it brought to life without too much red-tape. The support from The McManus, in launching Nomas* Projects has been invaluable and helped build a new platform for contemporary art, here in the heart of the city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the audacity and capacity to repeatedly surprise the world. The city and its people continues to innovate and set new standards in a breathtakingly diverse portfolio of science and the arts
<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> There was a bookshop once, new to Dundee, but boy was that place embraced. Attracted a really varied cross section of the region &amp; everybody got involved. It was only as it was closing that it really hit home how much it had become part of the cultural fabric of the city - in reality it was only bricks &amp; mortar, it was the PEOPLE who made it such a great hub.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee City Council's Instrumental Music Service is an amazing programme. It educates pupils in musicianship and in performance of an instrument of their choice. The instructors are of the highest calibre, many of them having been professional performers, and pupils are actively encouraged to take part in ensembles. I, personally, have made my best friends. The service has shaped who I am as a person and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity it provided me with. It is definitely a 'hidden gem'.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magnificent St. Salvador's Church in the Hilltown is a little-known artistic and architectural gem - the only one of the famous Victorian church designer Bodley's churches in Scotland. Set in a challenging neighbourhood, it has extended its ministry of lavish worship and social action to the Hilltown for 150 years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Amazing 'hidden' architectural gems, heritage of the 'Jute Barons', many now used as offices, sensitive conversions, etc.
The energy and innovation that underpins the DCA, Sensations, the Rep, and so much more - the city vibrates with art and cultural excitement.
The musical tradition, made manifest in the excellent programme of classes for Dundee's schoolchildren.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's people are it's greatest asset. The vast majority are helpful and honest. It's been said that if you're lost in Edinburgh and ask for help, you'll be giving directions, in Glasgow they'll draw you a map, in Dundee they'll get in the car and take you there!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a qualities that it doesn't boast about. It doesn't boast about the beautiful river, parks, buildings, people and even the wonderful weather. The people of Dundee are amazing and every day you meet someone interesting and talented. We ned to blow our own trumpets more.
As you walk around Dundee you see the most amazing buildings and art which you miss because they are a bit tired - give Dundee a polish.
Dundee has so many famous and talented artists show them off.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> right opposite the DUSA students union exist - down the little road to look out over the water. There is a little bench with te most amazing views out over the tay.

I found out on my garduation day that as we past my grandad proposed to my gran there - a very special place and one of my Dundee Uni memories!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city waiting to be discovered, situated between the dolphins in the river Tay and the magnificent mountain 'The Law' behind, it holds a rich history of Jam, Journalism and Jute and an exciting future of biomedical discoveries, computer game inventions and the 'city makeover' with a new V&amp;A museum and a new train station.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great new music and bands
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The community of young creative people is simply amazing. From hackers to designers to artists, Dundee has them all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Music, vibrant arts and culture, grassroots self organised cultural activities going on as well as via more established organisations like DCA and other venues
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Tin Roof arts collective - a group of artists doing amazing things.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its approachability;
-the folks that inhabit it have warm, open &amp; unaffected persona's
-its the perfect size...big enough to have everything, small enough to be touchable
-its architecture spans the great &amp; noble, the honest &amp; solid, the shiny &amp; new, all softened by an accessible layer of lush green
-accessible yet edgy design &amp; art scene
-beauty and serene calm of its water is enjoyed by us all; its not exclusive nor for the priveledged...it reflects the persona of our city.
I am proud to witness Dundee begin to realise its full potential.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people of Dundee are so firendly and a good laugh, we are very lucky with the weather and are the sunshine city with more sunny days than anywhere else in Scotland. Dundee has taken many knocks over the years with industry moving out and unemployment rising but the Dundonian culture is to keep fighting to make the city better and better. This is clear to see in all the redevelopment in place at the waterfront, and at the University where we are world renowned in life scicnes and voted best university for student experience. Dundee is a great place to live and I am proud to be a Dundonian!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> So many unique features, but can't fail to be impressed by the view approaching the city over the river. Especially at night.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Hidden secret - Broughty Ferry Amateur Operatic Society.
The present - our games industry.
The future - a cure for cancer, which some believe will be made here, in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I took part in Dundee's 48 hour film competition in 2012, which was an amazing opportunity to meet new people from different creative industries
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is a hub of Indian culture at Heart Space Dundee offering Yoga. There are AMAZING practitioners capable of the impossible!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of investment being put into Dundee,is incredible! About time Dundee was given a boost, can't wait to see the finished waterfront. Go 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 DCA is a wonderful place, always showing great movies that wouldn't be seen at the multiplexes, as well as giving plenty of opportunities to learn about film and to be artistic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are always new people to meet and connect with, there seems to be a continual flow of people coming into Dundee, some stay a month, a year or maybe 4 or more, and the city takes them all in.

Though not born and bred in Dundee, I have done a lot of growing here; I moved to Dundee at 18, and 8 years later I am still exploring and discovering new streets, communities and people. As a student and then lecturer, most of my time has been centered at DJCAD, University of Dundee. The university often provides a reason for people to come to Dundee but the communities pre-existing (and yet to form) are the reason people care, contribute and continue talking about Dundee.

For me, Dundee's hidden secret is its adaptability in itself and the people it hosts. It is not a perfect city, nor does it pretend to be, therefor people take on the challenge of shaping it, in turn shaping themselves. In this continual movement Dundee has witnessed many a success, and failure, but it (and the people it hosts) keeps on trying because that is the nature of the space and place it inhabits.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Simonanna weekly art classes for adults held in the wonderful Art Angel are a fabulous resource. Simon Reekie and Anna Orton facilitate a supportive and inspiring environment to enable exploration of the creative process.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much it has changed for the better since I was an undergraduate in 1978-1982!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the view from the law of the Tay bridges, you can even see the remains of the 1st rail bridge. Dundee has a changing skyscape and it's changing for the better.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The City and the people are growing and expanding ALL THE TIME. Their ability to embrace change and look to the future is inspiring!! City of Culture would give this City the springboard it deserves into a cultural explosion of sharing our differences.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ability and courage to reinvent itself and determination to change the look and feel of the city, eg building new houses to replace the high rise flats and regenerating an old building for the council to pull down an eyesore that is the first thing you see on entering the city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a place of true innovation, reinventing itself time and time again. Drawing it's strength from it's communities, their tenacity to deal with life, look to the future and strive to make a difference. From the sciences, technology and arts it is a truly inspiring place to live!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The growth of the University of Dundee &amp; the student activities it offers is fantastic. I worked in the students association for 4 happy years &amp; it inspired me to develop my career. I now live in New York!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Growing up rather poor and with some nasty experiences I came to the point in 6th year of highschool where I was ready to leave my hometown and pursue my dream of becoming a clinical psychologist. I had some outstanding achievements- sporting and otherwise- but I feared that my studying had been very much inhibited by my circumstances. The University of Dundee uniquely offered me the opportunity of summer school as a condition, having sent out an email asking of any outstanding circumstances. This holistic view and kindheartedness shone out above the other universities and I excitedly accepted.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are indefatigable and always up for a boogie, and witty without being gallus.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> EAST COAST IS THEE BEAST COAST! FLUME BASHING @ LOLYMPIA, ERT @ TINNERS + G-BEAST, TUNES &gt; RHC, PALZ @ DUNDOOM/DUNDIZZLE/D-TOWN.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 2017 will be the centenary of D'Arcy Thompson's amazing book On Growth and Form, "the greatest work of prose in 20th century science". Written in Dundee using the specimens in D'Arcy's museum, it has literally changed the world, influencing not just biologists and mathematicians but artists, architects, philosophers, geographers, engineers, cyberneticists, computer scientists, anthropologists and umpteen others! Today the D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum is one of the city's hidden gems, its amazing collections brought to life through a diverse programme of events and exhibitions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much in the city that encourages people of all ages to get creative in some way. We have great things available for 'budding artists'. My 3 year old loves the DCA activity room and the workshops at the creative learning space at the McManus. Plus they are all free! The award of City of Culture would inspire our future generations.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It contains one of the best UK universities. The Dundonians are blessed with the human feelings. Dundee at my time was an ideal city for education, and I am sure it is still. The weather is stunning and marvellous.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sense of humour of the people is one of its greatest assets. I remember seeing an advertisement on the end of a bus shelter with a man smiling and holding a baby.. I can't remember what the product it was trying to sell, but beside the image of the man, someone had written 'baldy'. I thought that graffiti was genius, concise to the point and very funny. All in 1 word.
<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> Cafes, shops and an eclectic mix of people from every walk of life. Dundee has a whole lot to offer and is the ideal place for students. I have lived here for 4 years now and have had the privilege of seeing Dundee grow up and mature to be recognised as one of the leading cities in Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the largest small village in the world. It really is a friendly city and it's that atmosphere that strikes people when they first visit. Dundonian's themselves might not realise it but they really are warm and friendly. There's a feeling like everyone knows one another. The locals are relaxed and unpretentious and that's refreshing in this day and age. So it's the social fabric, the affable, approachable nature of the people that needs to be put forward as one of the Dundee's main assets.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee, it's no secret, some love it whilst loathing it but it's always home.

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