We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

I’ve lived in Dundee since 1985 and to this day the humour, the dry wit of the people still engages me. In town, the medieval rubs up against Starbucks, dotcom computer-game creators drink in the Phoenix next to old guys who worked in the boatyard. Go down to the riverside, look left and there’s nothing out there until Denmark. 28 years in the city and I’ve been banged on the nose only once and, on that occasion, I was really asking for it. That has to say something.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is no longer only a city of Discovery, it is a city which has re-invented itself. Like many places, the loss of industry was a severe blow. However, it has developed new industry, new strengths and new pride. Cancer research, arts, computer games; it's a reinvention based around research, creativity and ingenuity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My musical home. I was 15 when I played my first ever gig at The Shore in Dundee. A city with a thriving and diverse music scene like no other.
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<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> Nice people
<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 building of a pioneering ultra-Low energy, autonomous studio in the Botanic Gardens of Dundee, by Masters Architecture students at Dundee University.
<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> We moved to Dundee from just north of London and we were surprised by the strength of community. Everyone in our street got on and took the time for small kindnesses like helping out the old folk with shopping when the snow was bad. We have taken the attitude with us since we have moved abroad.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have worked in Dundee for the last 17 years and in that time it never ceases to amaze me how much it has really flourished creatively to being the innovative and forward thinking city that it is today.

A great deal of commitment, effort and time has been given by the people and employers within the city to create this vibrancy and it certainly deserves to be credited as a City of Culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a friendly city, and everything is easy to reach, as it is a small city. the Kingsway is a lovely road with all the flowers and plants. Dundee also has a lot of open park areas, and lots of trees.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a beautiful city. My favourite place, that I believe is one of the city's hidden secrets is the gorgeous railway nature trail in Lochee. I had my wedding photos taken there!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I lived in Dundee for 4 years as a student. It is truly wonderful and inspirational,made all the better by the Dundonians themselves,who I consider contributed to making me the person I am now more than my degree!! - Dundee and all those Dundonians who made my life wonderful will always have a big place in my heart!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me the most about Dundee is its music and art scenes; for such a small city, there is a huge amount of creativity, from arts and music collectives, to several galleries. The DCA and Hannah Maclure Centre show great exhibitions and bring great people to the city. Its the hidden treasures of the underground gigs and the Generator Projects that are treats and should be recognised, not just by the other people in Dundee, but for everyone who visits.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The location is amazing - surrounded by both inland coastal delights
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Is the passion for creativity involving people from many different walks of life and situations.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's fascinating history of whaling is still largely untapped. It inspired Mary Shelley when she wrote Frankenstein and led directly to the amazing exploits of Scott, Shackleton etc. Shackleton even once tried to become MP for Dundee! The Tay Whale in the McManus is awesome and there's loads of animals brought back from the Arctic by the whalers in the university's zoology museum.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There's so much singing going on! There are loads of choirs in the city, formal and informal, singing so many different kinds of music - sacred choral, chamber music, Renaissance, Baroque, traditional Scottish, contemporary musicals, Gaelic - whatever you want to sing! Loadsaweeminsinging! (And men).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love United!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a city with a creative spirit, and a many promising, developing creative industry. But I think that the most important 'hidden secret'of this city is the V&amp;A museum and the configuration of the waterftont
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The incredible contribution to the history of comics is one of the great stories of Dundee. Sure, everyone knows about DC Thomson's The Dandy and The Beano, but who knows about the Amazing Mr X, Britain's first homegrown superhero created by DCT? The lost comics studios of the 1940s? That Grant Morrison, one of the world's most reknowned comics writers, got his start at DCT? I teach the only postgraduate degree in Comics Studies at the University of Dundee, and want to put Dundee on the map as THE centre of Comics study and research! And we need a comics museum in Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> “Up wi the Bonnets O’ Bonnie Dundee - ” Before it was called Hilltown it was Bonnet Hill. Fashion design bonnets (not baseball caps,) bonnets for women and men, jaunty blue bonnets that have Dundee’s crest on them with Bonnie Dundee woven around it - and slogans - for tourists: “City of Culture, Will you no come back Again”
Give the bonnets out to every one in Dundee, if they are stylish, all will wear them - a city with it’s population sporting - City of Culture Bonnets!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creativity of the people of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The College of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee has a worldwide reputation for excellence. It draws scientists from all over the word to enjoy the city of Dundee
<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 beauty that is Debbie Mcleod.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Flower and Food Festival is a huge, fun event, attracting thousands of people to the Camperdown Country Park every September. New visitors and exhibitors are always amazed at the scale of what we do!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scotland's first woman plumber: Maggie Ellis.

The best pies and bridies.

The friendliest folk.

The best Scottish university.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians never cease to amaze me with their talent and innovation in all fields of art, science and industry. Dundee is the ideal size city - big enough to have a thriving culture, but small enough to have a strong community spirit and identity. The visionary Waterfront proposals are becoming a reality and will begin a new renaissance of the city and surrounding region. Nick Day
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> University - I wouldn't have met my awesome girlfriend or any of my university friends. Dundee's a great place full of friendly people, fun things to do and places to go. Very often underestimated!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's growth - back in the mid-19th century, there was no Riverside Drive or Seabraes areas, just the waters of the Tay. In the last century-and-a-half, Dundee has expanded, grown, developed, nutured and inspired people, buildings, industries, research and bussiness - we live in an exciting peroid where we get to watch Dundee transform from a Scottish town to a Scottish institution.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The buzz around all of the cultural events; from fantastic productions at Dundee Rep Theatre to packed lectures on a Saturday night.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Blues Bonanza an annual weekend event in mid summer! The world's biggest free blues festival attracting musicians and fans from all over the globe. Many bars and clubs across the city host a variety of local, national and international acts. They are welcomed by a friendly and fun-loving population. The West Fest is another festival, a week long one with a more local and artsy feel to it, covering all artistic genres!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a Dundonian I'm not surprised, just proud, of what Dundee has to offer in terms of culture in the broadest sense. A prime example was the late lamented Michael Marra, whose genius lay in delivering the people's culture with dry Dundonian humour (listen to If Dundee Was Africa, Muggie Shaw, Hamish) as well as universal observations (try Happed In Mist, Hermless). See also how he inspired other local artists such as Vincent Rattray and the many groups he collaborated with at Dundee Rep.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a perfectly placed city and isn't overcrowded, the small town big city.
<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> The independent development of resources, supported by local people. Support given to theatre, - professional and amateur {music and drama}. Scots music, song and poetry is endemic - popular,widespread and developing. A strong centre for Art and the Arts and prominent in the sciences (medicine, biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, IT skills,computing and traditional sciences. Dundee is a cultural centre for East and Central Scotland, Britain and the World, with many foreign students and visitors.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great centre for some scenic bike rides. Whether it be heading from downtown to Broughty Ferry or up to Camperdown Park and beyond. One of my personal favourites is heading over the Tay Road Bridge and looking back on the city. Coming back over the bridge, it has to be one of the best entrances and views entering a city anywhere in the UK.
<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> Only in my second year in Dundee, after going to the Fireworks display in Baxter Park, did me and my flatmate go for a wonder and found ourselves at the city quay. We had never known about it and were amazed, it was night time and looked amazing by moonlight. So we walked about and explored the ship near by....it's a lovely part of the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative resilience of the people. And how much I still like a peh.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendliness of the people, the beauty of the silvery tay, the law hill, The art, The Art School, Rep and DCA, The beauty of the city, The passion and pride, the history, Jute, Jam and journalism (The Beano, The Dandy, The Broons and Oor Willie!), The invention and discovery and coming over the bridges into Bonnie Dundee, what a view! My favourite thing about Dundee though is the unique setting and relationship of it's two football clubs. I could say so much more and so will this city!!
<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> Dundee Science Festival which takes place in November reaches over 14,000 people over a two week period. Events are really diverse ranging from people like Ben Miller talking about his book - 'It's not rocket science' to family fun days and community events. This festival is only three years old and is Scotland's fastest growing science festival. Since its inception three years ago, more than 60 partners now join in annually to put on these amazing events and what is really exciting is that it isn't just scientists. Restaurateurs, hairdressers, museum workers, comedians, teachers, pupils, community leaders - to name a few - all come together to celebrate science, innovation and discovery. In a city like Dundee where science is part of Dundee's heritage and culture, I find this truly exciting.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> that little spot behind the river wall just past the bridge café. on asunny day at low tide.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The DCA is amazing, we travel there all the way from Perth regularly to see inspiring films and music we'd never otherwise know about.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city of domes, cupolas and extraordinary roof architecture if you raise your eyes and look at the tops of the buildings in the city centre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For such a small city, Dundee has so much going for it- one of the top art colleges in the UK producing graduates who go on to be Turner prizewinners and scooping most of the awards at the London graduate exhibitions; a multi-cultural society that mixes well; taxi drivers who are full of amazing stories and knowledge; one of the driest, sunniest climates in the UK; gorgeous sunsets!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians are extremely interested in their history. The Tay Valley Family History Society (based in Dundee) and the Friends of Dundee City Archives do an amazing job in keeping the torch of the past burning in the present!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A City of poverty and richness beyond your wildest dreams. Now a City thats modest and Cool like no other
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The DCA Print studio is a great place to work, they are supportive of all Artists at every stage of their career.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Mills observatory
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The spirit of inquiry and learning
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There's so much to offer at every time of the year and for every age, having only been in Dundee since 2005 I can't ever imagine leaving.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> did you know the original voice of micky mouse was born in dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is so much more than its reputation would have you believe. It's a city with a beautiful setting on the banks of Scotland's longest river, with its multitude of vast green spaces and surrounding hills you almost feel like you're in the middle of the countryside in what is actually the most densely populated part of Scotland after central Glasgow. That sense permeates the city's friendly, accessible culture and first attracted this country boy to study here. That and the incredible strength of the University of Dundee. And the stunning sunsets over the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Goldilocks analogy definitely fits Dundee juuust right! It's a cheeky chappy of a city with lots of surprises to keep you smiling (SPOILER: mosaic waiters will greet you outside Agacan, a fierce dragon rules the high street and penguins waddle around a triple whammy mega church, which faces Mecca)...

When the sun is shining and the water's sparkling, life feels pretty darn Dandy here, sprawled out on Magdalene Green or Baxter Park with some good tunes and funny people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the most beautiful setting of any city I know. It is built on hills which allow amazing views of the Tay, sometimes from places you don't expect. The view driving down West Park Road never ceases to take my breath away. This, coupled with amazing green spaces and parks, makes it the perfect place to live...and walk, and run.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an American who spent several weeks in Dundee, I was especially surprised by the city's excellent institutions of higher education, the Dundee Rep, and the McManus. But the real hidden gem is the Dundee Contemporary Arts, where world-class art exhibits and independent films rival any one would find in a much larger city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I never seem to see Dundee as a city but rather one big cultural community where everyone is linked through the many events that take place. The art school, theatres and the DCA create a friendly and creative atmosphere in Dundee that has welcomed me so much that I don't mind being away from my big hometown, Glasgow (in fact I prefer staying here during my uni time)
<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> 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 Mills Observatory; the only full-time public astronomical observatory in the UK / and of course the sunshine most days.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Arriving at Dundee the first time, I was surprised about the architecture. Look up, and you will find some amazing buildings. My favourite place is without doubt the McManus museum. What a wonderful place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I visit I'm amazed at the positive changes taking place - especially along the waterfront.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What doesn't surprise me about Dundee? As an 'incomer' 19 years ago what struck me then and now is the never ending enthusiasm of the people, the fantastic natural surroundings, the long term vision for the place and its proximity to nature, wild places and other cities. The creative talent in the City is amazing from musicians, film makers, dancers, games developers, artists, actors, theatre groups..... I could go on.
<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> As an Australian who has lived in Dundee for 17 years I have always been impressed by the multi culteral atmosphere that the Universities , Colleges and Ninewells Hospital. Dundonians don't brag about their city, its not their style. But that is not to say that they don't have something to shout about, the arts are alive in Dundee, inspired perhaps by the beautiful sunsets up the Tay, of the diamonds that shine on the Tay on a summer's day.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fantastic riverside walk between the boatyard along grassy beach to Broughty Ferry Castle
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The openness of the city towards new people and new culture
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The lovely views, sunrises and nature in Dundee. Camperdown wild life park is an amazing pocket of nature and the giant park it's self is a great place to go and visit on a lovely sunny day.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee eagles rugby club, which encourages team work and life skills to children from Primary 1 right through to secondary whilst being active and learning to play rugby.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It surprises me that there are so many Graphic Designers who study at Duncan of Jordanstone and leave Dundee every year because of a lack of Graphic Design work. But there are so many other creative individuals doing great work within a variety of disciplines throughout the City and managing to sustain this successfully, without compromising on quality. With places like DCA, The Rep and with the V&amp;A on the horizon there should be an abundance of design work to go along with that. Which could potentially lead to the creation of more jobs in Dundee and strengthen the industry and culture within the City even further.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The laid-back attitude and warmth of the city is my favourite aspect of Dundee. The city is going through an amazing change and with it brings an excitement, sense of opportunity &amp; open-mindedness that is really refreshing when national and global economic depression can result in an often depressive outlook. Here you find an unusual resilience.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love dundee ! I have lived here for a long time &amp; the people in the city are the best ! Hard working, kind,very funny, welcoming &amp; most of all very humble but still proud of their ever changing city. Dundee has wonderful artists &amp; musicians as well as well as very astute businesses. Let's celebrate them all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The way it has constantly evolved as the traditional industries have changed with the times.
Lots of hidden secrets,some well known assets.
The rich musical heritage furthered by talented singers,songwriters and performers who just want to share their particular talent with people,not for riches.
The Finlathen aquaduct a hidden listed building taken for granted but an important reminder of a rich industrial past.Also a well known local battleground for the various"tribes".
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> D'Arcy Thompson Museum, Dundee Botanic Gardens, The Observatory at Balgay Hill are hidden secrets for naturalists and curious people who want to Discover!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The richness and diversity of the arts and culture; the burgeoning technology industry and the determined spirit of the locals.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Templeton Woods, one of many public outdoor spaces in and near Dundee, is a wonderful place with fun artwork
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> friendly and arty
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people of Dundee are the most welcoming and Dundee is amazing :-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For a city of its size, Dundee punches well above its weight - for good and the bad. While there are many problems to solve, thankfully the great cultural and social movements underway in the city are driving change on a scale that could have real positive impact.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All the different live music styles you can and participate in Dundee. Opportunities for all in different styles of music making, with the massive rock and Indie pop scene to the trad music folk sessions in the Fisherman's along side structured groups like Tayside Young Fiddlers and Dundee Srathspey and Reel society, and all the Wighton Workshops. Classical music buffs can take part in Dundee Symphony Orchestra, there's all the University music groups and there's all the amateur chamber music making that goes in the privacy of some of our own homes. It's been going on for years we're full of talent!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> set on the Firth of Tay to the south, country side within 5 minutes drive to north and a beach to the east. How diverse scenery can you get? Are we mad? You bet judging by this picture of The Broughty New year Dook.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history behind Dundee is what surprised me most for example during the industrial revolution, the jute, the jam, and the printing industries. It has surprised me as to how much it has shaped the city to this day.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The thing I like about my city is walking through a wonderful diversity of shops in the centre of town, then five minutes on any bus takes me to the outskirts of of the town to a marvelous countryside that surrounds us with the River Tay flowing past on the other side
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the waterfont and views are incredible
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a delightful place to live and work. We have some beautiful sights to see; my favourite is the Howff cemetery in the city centre. No matter how busy the city is the Howff is always quiet and peaceful; it is quite surreal. Dundee Law is also a wonderful place to be. I will never tire of living in Dundee, and I am a very proud Dundonian.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The aspiring and positive nature of the city, coupled with the friendliness and incredibly welcoming atmosphere combines to provide a city which nurtures locals, guests and visitors alike, including the many students whom all grow to love their new environment.
There is an extremely vibrant social diversity throughout this city and a genuine excitement surrounding the gradual, yet very noticeable continuing improvements; revitalising OUR Dundee.
City of Culture 2013, 14, 15, 16 AND 2017!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Contempory Arts........Great venue, great food.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A real sense of community and a buzz about the wealth of creativity in all areas - there are so many opportunities for all to be involved in the many exciting events, festivals and new developments in the city. It has a fabulous waterfront setting with glorious sunsets to inspire you - and a cracking cafe culture too!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The cultural diversity for such a small city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> i love Dundee!! born and bred here too! my personal feelings about Dundee involve the amazing natural talents of the Dundee people. having been involved in Community Drama for over 30 yrs,i have came across Dundee people who are dedicated and passionate about arts in the community,wether it be drama,dance music visual art etc. the talent is amazing,and has been for many years,my only criticism would be we(Dundee fowk) tend to be a bit shy at singing their own praises,therefore,some talented people slip through the net,we have to be supported in keeping community arts alive n kicking!hopefully the arrival of the V&amp;A will open up community projects to the wonderful people of Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee doesn't deny its flaws, instead uses the wide range of skills that its diverse population has to offer to tackle problems. The range of voluntary and statuary services in Dundee amazed me when I started working in the voluntary sector, and I'm proud to say I've been part of it. The city has a bad reputation that it doesn't deserve, I've lived here for 4 years since coming for university and I'm reminded on a daily basis why I decided to stay!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love watching the skaters in Dudhope Park (lamenting my complete lack of balance)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its History
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The willingness of people to support fledglings artists, people are passionate enough to offer their help and support for free!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The variety of ethnicities in the city who all love Dundee and see it as their home. This is due to the warm, friendliness of the people who were born, live and work here- making it a joy for others to live and be a part of. There's a general sense of community when it comes to improving Dundee and a great excitement for what the future will bring!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> River Tay is amazing on any day with its many facets. Dark and gloomy, foggy and mysterious, bright and sunny, and the occasional seals.
The research ongoing in University of Dundee and Ninewells Hospital aiso punches above its weight internationally.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's all about the people! They just get up, rise to the challenge and make stuff happen, the city has a long history of innovators, creators and game changers who adapt, shift and change to advance technology, industry, the arts and more. We are well known for our international trade and commerce links and that has influenced our cultural scene over the years (eg. I love that Timex/NCR back of the lorry spectrums kick-started Dundee's games industry!). The number of jute factories and trade buildings now repurposed by creative collectives/artists is really interesting i.e. Wasps, Tin Roof, Generator Projects, Fleet Collective and of course the DCA.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That you're never more than 6 feet away from a game developer.

And that there are so many opportunities for them to develop and flourish here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A fantastic local music scene, a real focus on visual art with DCA, McManus, V&amp;A and one of Britain's finest art colleges, a fantastic and award winning Repertory Theatre, a growing literary scene surrounding Dundee Literary Festival, Dundee has always punched above its weight but now is fast becoming the place to be for culture in Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdelene Green with its Bandstand and terrific views over the Tay is one of the many delights of Dundee City.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The DCA is an amazing place in the city centre where I have taken part in many workshops, used the dark rooms and been to many amazing performances and exibitions. It is also a great place to meet your friends for lunch, hopefully in the Sun and you can even catch a movie.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The diversity of animals at Camperdown Zoo suprised me. I had no idea there was such an extensive zoo in the middle of Camperdown Park! And the diversity and uniqueness of shops in Broughty Ferry is lovely, such a change from the high street. I lived in Dundee for 10 years and visit at least once a month, and it always feels like coming home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The availblity of the arts for everyone
<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> That so many Scots have never been here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the way they are re-developing the City's waterfront - traffic a serious pain however it will all be worth it in the end. Majority of Dundee citizens are kind and considerate people and are very generous with local charities as well as national ones, particularly Charlie Kean. The culture within the city is growing all the time which makes me proud to be a Dundonian!

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