We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Agacan Perth Road been there for years or Zekis as it is know after the colourful artist owner, full of wonderful art, wonderful smells and wonderful food.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The castle in Broughty Ferry. It houses a surprisingly strong collection of Scottish art - not what you'd expect from a pretty random tower by the beach!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The skatepark at dudhope park, it is a hive of talent, a place where kids grow and learn from the more mature skaters and not just about skateboarding, they also learn respect, pride and important life lessons.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a fabulously diverse city, with a vibrant arts scene, from great productions at the Rep to outstanding exhibits at DCA, and the newly refurbished McManus galleries. There's always something to entertain, challenge and excite.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Have you ever stood atop the law on a clear day and looked 360 degree's around you? If "no" then you have missed one of the most majestic views in Britain!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the most beautiful light, huge skies and sunsets - a luminosity that is inspiring and uplifting. I've always felt that Dundee could be the Brighton of the North. It's got that sea side feel with it's maze of little streets and Victorian shop fronts that are just waiting to be filled with independent retailers and art projects. I was in London and Brighton just last weekend and kept thinking of Dundee and what the light would be like at that time of day. Dundee is just waiting. Appreciate it now, avoid the rush!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> its simplicity! Dundee is amazing, it offers warmth to strangers and absorbs them in its culture. Good luck Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is full of history and yet is a modern city with a great future and vibrancy. I love the simpicity of going down town and just having an urban adventure and seeing where we end up! The City Centre has wonderful streets, buildings (look up!) and the McManus is great to pop in or linger . The top of Dundee Law is different every visit and I love all the public art that makes Dundee a bit special don't forget the Victorian Parks where we can have fun, nothing beats Baxters Park on Fireworks Night!. We are very lucky to live and work here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am constantly surprised by additional facts about Dundee and Dundonians; from the Neolithic to the space age, Dundee has hidden its light under a bushel, and needs to be recognised for the amazing place it is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> location, location, location
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Born in Dundee nearly 80 years ago. Educated and qualified in Medicine there. Proud of the way Dundee has moved forward over these, quite difficult, years.
<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> The supportiveness, openness and creativity locally leaves me constantly surprised. A week never goes by without me talking to someone who is planning an event or initiative to strengthen Dundee's community through culture, design and art. Would love to see this bid as a way to highlight how much great work is going on in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing. I've always loved the city and the people in it. There's a lot of genuinely nice and helpful people on the city despite the image that is often portrayed by other parts of Scotland. There's nowhere in Scotland that I'd rather live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a buzz about - new architecture resulting in amazing buildings that the world should share
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The number of opportunities to be in the audience of such a wide choice of presentations whether musical, artistic or informative.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> No Body's Fool..... Dundee is the peoples city. Bordering now on all sides by Dundee relocaters Inclduing heading up the coast to Monifieth and beyond....invergowrie and Inchture and beyond including Newport, Tayport and St Andrews. Dundee has a great surrounding of People offering artisan, cultural and musical ideas and delivering something special for and too our City.
To me Dundee has it all .....too small to be a big shot and so different that you canna forget her!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee never fails to amaze me. From the jute, jam and journalism era to present day, its rich culture of down to earth, hard working men and women is a legacy that will live on. Dundee is a city with a small village attitude - well known faces in well known places - that's the magic!
<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> Dundee has always been an outward looking city. We care about people and welcome everyone with open arms. My uncle fought in the Spanish civil war for people he had never met because, like many Dundee men, he felt he had to make a stand against evil.

I work all over the world. Everywhere I have ever been, the Scots are respected for their openness and friendliness, and I believe that Dundee personifies these virtues.

I am proud of my city and its culture. But I'm most proud to be one of its citizens.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is full of diversity. I was a student there, and there is an ingrained culture and inherent creative spirit of learning which really makes it a place you love.

The DCA is a hub of film and creativity. The local pubs and restaurants build up the atmosphere. The history of comic books and journalism. The old factories and the production of Jute.

It's a city that will stay with you long after you leave.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Uplifting views over the river, great galleries, good range of music and theatre and the liveliness of an ever-changing student population married to the tradition and continuity of the long-term residents. All backed with good sport and outstanding opportunites to explore historic sites and a range of beautiful countryside.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A friendly city where you can cycle from one end to the other...on this journey one gets to experience parks with daffodils, the mighty Tay, Dundee Law, Ninewells Hospital designed by Frank Gehry and happy faces :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians are all braw! They have made me feel very welcome and I am proud to call it home.
The waterfront never fails to take my breath away and the sight of the seals on the sands means it is going to be a good day!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How we've grown up to be a city once again capable of inspiring, educating and encouraging our own, and those who become our own; proud of our past and confident about our future.
<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> Its constantly changing and for the better.

There is always plenty to do throughout the city and surrounding area's whether its entertainment in the city centre and the Caird hall, or taking in the sights and sounds of the surrounding countryside at Camperdown park, templeton woods and the sidlaws. Dundee has an amazing back drop which should flourish and be appreciated over the coming years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the art scene is thriving, welcoming and diverse!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's historic roots are hugely important. Everywhere you go in the city you can catch a glimpse of fascinating parts of our history - you just need to know where to look. There's the group of five historic 16th Century houses in the High Street known as Gardyne's Land and the Wishart Arch which is built into a small surviving section of Dundee's 16th Century city wall. There's the award winning Verdant Works jute museum and Scott's historic Antarctic expedition ship Discovery. It also boasts the frigate HMS Unicorn which is the world's last intact warship from the days of sail, and the North Carr, Scotland's only surviving lightship.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Moved to Dundee as a child, instantly fell in love with the city. The Old Overgate, Wellgate, Royal Arch, the city arcade, spent many a happy penny there. Was saddened when the heart was ripped out of the city but now delighted with the new vibrant Dundee that has so much to offer students and tourists alike, with so much more to come. Dundee will forever be my home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I would like to thank Baldragon Academy for the opportunities they have presented my daughter in her first year there. So far she has been successfully involved in the football, basketball, netball, and heptathlon and cross country teams. She has also taken part in the National Rock Challenge competition, Dundee Schools Art Festival in four different categories, sung in the Gold Leng medal competition and getting a main part in the school end of term show. Academically the school have also encouraged her to excel in all areas of the curriculum making her a confident and successful individual.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is hugely respected outside of Scotland and even outside the United Kingdom for the strength of our scientists. We are on the map for our intellectual contributions of the world and this will continue and grow our the coming years!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A stunning location and a city with a wonderful heart. It could be one of the greats.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My hometown boasts simply the best boozer i have ever been a loyal customer of.. and im talking world over. The Speedwell Bar aka Mennies aka The Dogs Arse at the top of the Perth Road.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Planning student at the University of Dundee. The city has changed so much in the space of less than a century from industrial to culturally-orientation. V&amp;A, DCA, The Waterfront, Discovery, McManus are only tips of a very large iceberg.
<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> I have lived in Dundee for over 20 years now and have watched it grown into an exciting cultural city. The city has some fantastic events including Dundee Women's Festival, Community and various music festivals. Hidden secrets ...The strong women from Dundee who have helped shape the wonderful City ;)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have always loved this city. When outsiders talked it down I always talked it up as they did not know the city as I do. I really enjoy the Blues Festival every year. No matter where you go, you always meet someone you know. Dundee is really a great city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Howff offers a sanctuary in the middle of the city for a quiet conversation, a relaxed sandwich or just a moment of contemplation. Centuries of history offer snapshots of lives and a reminder that what's most important is what you leave behind for others.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its integrated creative scene, Dundee supports its local makers and has a driven attitude towards reaching an international level of success. The work of Vanilla Ink inspires me and makes me proud to be part of the creative Dundee network.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is not the same as its reputation dictates! In spite of being a sizable city it has a welcoming, homely and village-ish feel. You don't feel crowded or far from greenery at any point yet all the amenities that city life provides are right at your fingertips!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are so many green spaces and interesting activities going on.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The views across the estuary, the beeches, the parks with pavilions, ponds and castles in them, the architecture, the friendly people, the restaurants and pubs, museums and the sunniness!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee's resilience: its irreverent bachchat. It has a wonderful sense of who it is and it always has an answer to those who criticise or deride it. The exciting things that are happening to the city , through its regeneration, are a symbol of Dundee's determination not to lie down! I can't wait to see what will happen next in my brilliant city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The whole city has a sense of friendliness about it with the residents taking a pride and an interest in their City. Their attitude encourages visitors to come back again and again as well as holding onto those who enjoy the City on a regular basis
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The outdoor swimming club based at Broughty Ferry Pier "Ye Amphibious Ancients Bathing Association" at 128 years old is, so I believe, the last remaining outdoors swimming club in the country. I love the history , the idea of it still going strong and I wish I was brave enough to join in. One day I will.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love RARA and the pretty vacant showrooms and the creativity it encourages through selling vintage and pieces from local designers. It's like a little treasure chest.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> DCA's Print Studio is a fantastic resource for both aspiring and established creatives. It offers a wide range of courses suitable for complete beginners as well as open-access facilities for member use, which include dark-rooms, a laser-cutter, large-scale printers and equipment for various printmaking methods. The studio's affordable rates make it worth travelling from other cities for too.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's journey: from jam to jammin', by way of weaving wonderful art, theatre and music through the lives of its citizens.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Coming over the Tay Road Bridge towards Dundee always lifts my heart... It's so beautiful
and I feel very lucky to be a Dundonian x
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is ‘Culture-tastic’. For Art lovers there is the award winning McManus Galleries or the DCA to visit. For music lovers, there are several vibrant pubs offering a diverse selection of music including the annual Blues Bonanza which attracts musicians from all over the world and bring people out in their thousands. Dundee is also steeped in History and provides great attractions like the Discovery and Unicorn ships or the Verdant Works highlighting Dundee’s past involvement as one of the world’s leading cities in the production of jute. Regular markets in the city square also provide a great selection of local and European foods.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is full of the most engaging, entertaining and diverse people. Every time I leave my house, someone makes me smile!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The music scene is amazing-something for everyone !!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so much to offer, with its beautiful views and has endless opportunities. As a young artist I feel at home here, with places like the DCA and the McManus Gallery, which I visit regulary. Also being the home of DC Thomson's 'The Dandy', the worlds third longest running comic, is really exciting, especially with the new digital version, a whole new place for comic books!

I've met so many amazing people since moving to Dundee two years ago, this city has really brought me out of myself and now I'm a completely changed person. Thank you Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Arriving by train across the mouth of the Tay, the City nestles below the Sidlaws. How close the Highlands seem, as leaving the station and walking up Union Street one passes Gows - gun and tackle dealer (est 1860). Dundee is a thriving 21st century city, which has never yet stopped being a village or country town.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great mix of people.
Good cultural mix.
Set on the silvery tay.
Climb the Law - see for miles.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Even as a native I am constantly surprised by how many people conceal tremendous creative talent behind their 'ordinary', self-effacing external appearance. I know folk who are exceptionally artistic, literate, musical - you name it - but, being Dundonians, they wouldn't let you realise it until you get to know them. Get to know Dundee.
<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> We have the two closest football grounds in europe
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green and the view of the Tay, not a native but it makes Dundee feel like home!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much goodwill amongst the people of Dundee. One example of this was when my sister had an accident recently in Dundee city centre; within seconds of this happening there were at least three people all willing to help and assist.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is beautiful with a rich history. Amongst the lovely sights to see are the ship "Discovery" and the Jute museum. The River Tay is a beautiful sight to see from the Tay bridge especially at night. The people are warm and always offer you the nice scottish hospitality and you often get to see many of the men in traditional Scottish kilt. The University Of Dundee offers a diverse mix of cultures from across the globe which blend with the eclectic mix of the old and the new that is The City Of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing beats the magical feeling during the Universities graduation ceremonies in the Caird Hall and City Square in June. Graduates and their families and friends fill the city with colour, celebration and culture. These celebrations start for me with the Duncan of Jordanstone Degree Show earlier in the season - you get a great sense of creativity, potential, excitement and the ultimate start to a cultural summer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Being a foreigner who has settled down in Dundee, I found Dundee very accommodating to internationalism. It's not surprising. Having the advantage of our harbours and wharfs, Dundee is used to welcoming visitors. The Dundee International Women's Centre has been servicing the international community for over 40 years. I love living in Dundee and the cultural diversities and dynamics here excite me.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Agacan Perth Road been there for years or Zekis as it is know after the colourful artist owner , full of wonderful art , wonderful smells and wonderful food.
<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> The multitude of traditional music sessions hidden away in tiny local pubs where the music, people and real ales are welcoming, friendly and always enjoyable.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved here in the mid 80's to study and didn't leave! Dundee is such a beautiful and vibrant city. I love it's distinctive language, history, architecture, amazing music scene and close proximity to the sea, to name but a few. Most of all though, I love the people. Dundee is full of friendly, creative and very talented people and in my opinion the perfect choice for UK City of Culture 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> McManus Awards - we award this to a senior pupil in Dundee Secondary Schools for the work they have done to contribute to the ongoing citizenship of Dundee - always amazes us - the extent of our young people's talents is immense.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a student at the University of Dundee I was really impressed by the strong link the City has with her students. The vibrant and diverse social scene has really provided me with an excellent student experience. From Dundee you are well placed to visit many exciting parts of Scotland but still return to your "home" city in a matter of hours. I am proud to have been a part of the city's expansion over the past 5 years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The collaborative and supporting atmosphere of the visual arts scene in Dundee is amazing. I have visited for various exhibitions, projects, fairs and talks and always felt an amazing energy, passion and commitment from everyone involved. Spaces like DCA, Generator Projects and Tin Roof are all doing great things and I'm really excited to see what new things spring up over the next 5 years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It has the most stunning waterfront location and is surrounded by fabulous countryside. 10 minutes drive in any direction and you are somewhere gorgeous, and yet you're only an hour away from Edinburgh.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Gardyne Theatre is a gem of a place to watch and listen to live theatre and music performances.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> love Dundee city!!! I live here not so long term, but I am pleasently surprised that people here are sooo friendly!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Blues Bonanza is almost the highlight of my year.........every year !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The local music scene is one of the most enriching for a city its size. There are also a vast array of excellent local businesses; restaurants, pubs, shops, what have you. Dundee should be more recognised on the cultural map.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The main surprise to an outsider is the vibrancy and richness of the cultural life, which reflects the enthusiasm of the people who live and work in Dundee. They have a real pride in the history and achievements of the city; these attitudes are found right across the spectrum of the population.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee surprises you with unexpected opportunities, events, people and places. A fantastic, creative and inspirational city with heaps of personality that makes it stand out from the crowd.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always had the roots of a great city.
I studied Medicine there, starting in 1990 and had a fantastic time.
It's always been a relaxed place, not taking itself too seriously.
And yet it's increasingly renowned nationally and internationally in the fields of Medicine and Science. Among others.
Having returned from there just this afternoon, it's abundantly clear that the city as a whole continues to flourish and is now truly in blossom.

Good luck for 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city feels more vibrant and diverse than ever before. The mind is never bored in a place like Dundee. Hidden secret has to be the various collectives operating in the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing resilience of Dundee folk, after all the changes the city has seen over the last century - and the way they continue to adjust and adapt, with characteristic good Scots humour in the process!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Although it is smaller than Glasgow or Manchester, Dundee's thriving musical community is one of the best in the UK. The sheer quality of music that is being churned out and played in many of the live music venues is often under appreciated. It should be recognised and celebrated throughout the world!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The underground music scene. A true variety of musicians, bands ans dj's playing at venues across the city such as Beat Generator, Doghouse, Duke's Corner and the Reading Rooms.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> ....there's a fabulous zoo with lots of animals including bears, wolves, lemurs and Scottish wildcats. It's called Camperdown Wildlife Centre and, because it's run by Dundee City Council, the entry fee is really low
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a spectacular location that amazes people who visit for the first time. There is a lots of green space in the city with lovely well maintained parks. There is something for everyone in Dundee with concerts and exhibitions of various kinds and good shopping. The people are friendly and will go out of their way to help you. A great place to live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am always surprised by how beautiful and vibrant this city is and i have lived here all my life so far. I also studied in Duncan of Jordanstone a really breeding ground for creative thinking. I now teach in a local High school, and have observed over the last few years how the pupils attitudes to their city have changed for the better. The whole atmosphere is becoming more confident and ambitious and hopefully greater things are still to come! Go Dundee!
<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> That it produces music of such diverse style, colour and excellence.

The Annual Dundee Blues Festival, brings acts from all over the world, giving the locals of Dundee a chance to experience the richness and culture of world class Blues music.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are the hidden secrets - the creative juices that flow from Dundee are many and immense. And you also had the inimitable Michael Marra. A jewel in Scotland's crown.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Renowned theatre, innovative youth theatre, spectacular dance events, poetry readings, talented local bands, lively music scene, book signings, new writing seminars, unexpected architecture round surprising corners, Hundreds (if not more) of artists in residence. new and original Film makers, comedy nights and comedy acts. Creativity run amok! And beautiful location!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its renaissance from the 1908s. A city on its knees has brushed off the accumulated stour of decades of struggle and decline, and has re-invented itself. A global centre for manufacturing has become a global centre for learning - and of discovery, But also of culture, not forgetting the oral and popular cultures of the past but building on these and moving forward through the city's cultural institutions. And surprising and delighting people whose perceptions of Dundee are as dated as the notion of jute, jam and journalism, notwithstanding the incontionuiong importance of the last-named.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The unrivalled cultural reach in the city. From the Rep to the DCA, and the Art Gallery; the frequent orchestral concerts and the Dundee Choral Union.
<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's resilience - it's been knocked down many times and come back stronger than ever !!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> ...the huge pot of creative talent and the wealth of optimism in the city generally.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Being a past student of UoD, I can honestly say I would have rather gone nowhere else. The best student union in the UK and a strong student culture that is really celebrated by the entire city. Dundee is a city with the best parts of a busy city and a friendly town, the community really gets together and is united through love of their hometown.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an amazing place with amazing cultural scene- and welcoming friendliness. I arrived in Dundee in 2000 from abroad and immediately felt welcome.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Howff - a graveyard in the centre of town where you can relax &amp; chill.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Traveling across the bridge towards Dundee at night with the lights shining beautifully across the water.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That despite people's perception of Dundee it has an incredibly vibrant creative culture which is only growing. It is very exciting!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It has an incredible history, has reinvented itself after years of decline and now boasts many intereting things to see....galleries, museums etc. The University is a major driver in this and is one off the best in Scotland. Voted one of the best palces to study in wordldwide recentlty at least in the lifesciences sector. It should be celebrated!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Close community and group of friends, a smaller city bringing more of us together.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How, nearly twenty years since it changed beyond recognition, I can still hear the noises, smell the smells and feel the atmosphere of The Shed at Tannadice.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Climbing the monkey puzzle tree in Camperdown, 40 years ago and now watching my children do the same
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee:

Is a big family...
Is the place Dundonians don't want to leave...
Has it's own language of circles and backies...
Is familiar...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city on the up, its regeneration is bringing about a cultural reawakening that is building upon an already proud cultural heritage of music, art, and comics, the home to contemporary museums and one of the UK's finest Art and Design institutions!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Over the last decade Dundee has shrugged off its Jute, Jam and Journalism image for one of a technology, media and bio-science leader. A pheonix rising from the ashes of its past.

Dundee's progress is unlimately recognised by the decision to site the V &amp; A museum in the city which is a massive boost of confidence for the city. Dundee should be awarded the UK City of Culture 2017 as a recognition of its transformation and as an inspiration to other cities that they too can re-invent themselves.

:)

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