We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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Dundee is Scotland’s place to be for jewellery design! Kate Pickering launched Vanilla Ink last year and gives designers from all over the chance to learn and make in a friendly and supportive environment.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Coldside Community Fun day is an annual festival with Dundee poets, singers, bands, dancers, pipe bands and arts and crafts activities for young people. All organised by community volunteers , it attracts around 500 people each year. Its a great display of community spirit and local talent.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Budding artists used to come to Dundee to study at Duncan of Jordanstone college of Art because its an amazing college but would leave after graduating to live in bigger, more "happening" cities....now they come to DJCAD because it's an amazing college and they stay!
Dundee is now one of the happening cities, overflowing with creative talent with a great vibe.
It IS a city of culture..
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazing live music scene. There is something to suit all tastes at a number of great venues. The Blues Bonanza is an event Dundonians can be proud of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Progressing to a Major Cultural City
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What constantly surprises and delights is our people - the sense of 'we're all in this together', a determination and shared desire to make things happen. Our goldilocks size means that collaboration rather than competition works on a scale unseen in other cities. Creativity and genuine friendliness are part of our personality - I'm so proud of our city and its people and can't wait to share in the fun of bidding for 2017.
<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> I moved to Dundee from Ireland and fell in love with the city. The Art Bar on the perth road is a hidden gem of culture and people, the waterfront park hosts a variety of people-watching activities, the dragon statue on high street with some of the most amazing buskers surrounding it that Iv ever seen, the nilupal buddhist centre for a calming meditation session and cup of herbal tea, and so much more. DUNDEE I LOVE YOU!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A walk along the riverside early on a summers morning is always a great experience and you are often watched carefully by the seals basking in the sun
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The V&amp;A and the waterfront development combined with the DCA and the Rep are in themselves brilliant cultural hot spots within our great City as they buzz with conversations of the arts. However, it's the community culture of Lochee or Fintry that I think plays a key role in Dundee being nominated. With several such unique areas within one city it makes for a truly special place something worth UK recognition.
<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> 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> Such a friendly city and also so much great music groups about. Choirs, Orchestras, bands etc.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people! I have met so many wonderful people from.Dundee,a welcoming community without judgement. There is so much talent in the city,musicians,artists and just general friendliness!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is home to one of the hottest new Scottish bands; Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher and they recently recorded a new version of Dougie MacLean's 'Caledonia' after their 'take' on the much loved song was featured on the TV advert for Caledonia Best ale. The band have sold out the Gardyne theatre in Dundee on the three occasions they played there in the past year or so and were recently awarded the Scottish Variety Award in Glasgow for the best new scottish band.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ideal nature of the city,situated facing the Tay,much of what Is needed Is but a quick bus,taxi or car journey away,going to see Dundee play on the Saturday,the rare event of the Dundee Derby hopefully soon to return,fireworks at Lochee Park,the meeting with mates at Boots,shopping at Officers Club,buying the Evening Telegraph or Courier,picking up the annual fixture list provided by the Tele,the beauty of the West End,in particular Magdalen Green,the familiar sound of the water at Broughty Ferry,the famed ice cream shop,turning on of the Christmas lights,Desperate Dan and the dragon In town,the views from the Law.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I lived in Dundee for a year. Its a peaceful city with full of awesomeness. Bicycling around the city and nearby places was something I loved and I did quiet often when I was there. To be more specific, walking/cycling towards the Tay Port was always been a pleasure to me.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That even after 20 years I can be surprised by the happenings in Dundee.....there is always something going on if you know where to look...and part of the fun is in the looking.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> This beautiful little city of mine, I have lived here all my 66yrs of life, It never ceases to surprise me it grows better year after year with all our redevelopment of the Waterfront which will be fantastic when finished, to the V&amp;A which will bring in loads of visitors to our city. We have a wealth of great things to do, like the D.C.A, REP, Verdant Works,New swimming baths,Ice Rink, Discovery ship, music venues, loads of restaurants, Our great Universities that bring young people from all over the world. The great singers, song writers and actors that Dundee has produced known world wide. And off course the Dundee people well what can I say none better world over .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I like it that the city is always clean and the flower beds are tidy in the winter and blooming in the summer months.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design!
<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 love Dundee, I've come back to Art College (DJCAD) as a pensioner to do a Masters in Fine Art and discovering a wonderful city, rich in history and a vibrant art scene. Warm and wonderful folk
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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 City Centre doesn't cover a very wide area but it has everything you'd ever need. Lovely and compact but with all the big shops as well as the lovely independent cafes for some variation.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are wonderful and the place is absolutely smashing
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an ever-changing city - re-inventing herself and surprising visitors from both home and abroad.

A totally hidden secret is part of the Castle Walls in the basement of an office in Castle Street, Dundee where I used to work.

McManus Art Gallery and Museum is not only an amazing building but filled with History, Art and Artefacts - a total treasure in the middle of the city centre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved back to Dundee 5 years ago after living across the world.

What I love about this city is it's ability to evolve, to change with the times and to reinvent itself.

Above all it's home to me and my family and will always be home no matter where we are in the world
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is situated in a beautiful location. Easy access to Angus Perth and fiFe. No other town I know of. Has such a perfect Location
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee's green spaces! It is a small place with lots of country parks. I love being in a bustling city but with the choice of seeking a quiet spot, surrounded by nature if I wish.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Not only does Dundee host internationally touring dance company SDT, but it also home to the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance. The people within this school are incredible. They hold there own against the likes of those training at Laban and the London Contemporary Dance School in terms of technique, and stand out as being a highly artistic bunch.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is a very fast developing city. Its place in Scientific discoveries is irreplaceable and the collaborations of creative disciplines! Dundee is a little heaven of Britain and whoever comes here falls in love from the first sight.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm often astonished by extraordinary architecture in our city centre streets, especially if you look upwards at the rooflines. Dundee has some magnificent buildings evoking earlier periods in our city's long and famous history.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was a student in Dundee many years ago and recently visited the city. The city has changed so much - not in terms of the buildings, but in terms of the vibrancy and the general feel of the place.
Dundee is a compact city with a lively, creative arts scene, with the added benefit of being right next door to beautiful countryside and coast.
Above all else - Dundee is moving forward!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The strong sense of community identity. All over city local people are working together to celebrate and improve their neighbourhoods through local festivals, drama performances, litter picks, mosaics and gardening projects.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is nowhere to compare with Dundee's situation overlooking the Tay , the walk from the Ferry up to the docks, along the river front.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ship Discovery is a great icon in my city let hope more people discover Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fantastic food spots on offer! The overall vibe from the city is great!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonian people have a very friendly which has often led to the most interesting conversations on the bus!
It never fails to surprise me how helpful people can be when you need a hand.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Blue Sky Photo Club is run by an exceptional and inspirational young photographer, Ross Fraser McLean and operates out of DCA. Around 25 digital camera enthusiasts from semi professional to absolute beginners explore the artistic and technical challenges of the medium on a weekly basis. There are regular exhibitions in Roseangle Cafe Arts ( another hidden gem) in which members share and display their best work.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The dogs in the Campbeltown Bar, secret gigs at the Tin Roof Art studio or the recycling center, the stenciled graffiti that pops up every now and again.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Literally the city of 'Discovery' a fantastic iconic ship steeped in history which should make each one of us that live in and around Dundee very proud. I see that ship everyday on my way in to work and it never fails to make me wonder about the incredible journey it has been on and the brave folks it had on board - true explorers!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the closest two football stadiums in the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Came to Dundee as a student from Edinburgh. The place will ever have a place in my heart, and I will be sad when I leave. Sunniest city in Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's so easy to get around Dundee. It's big enough to be bold but small enough to be friendly. Dundee is Scotland's big village!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Overgate and Wellgate. Got nice shops.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a goldilocks sized city with giant ambitions. It is a melting pot of creativity and the size of the city means that people can really get together and make things happen. Pretty awsome things.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How wonderfully friendly the people are and how good the university is!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fantastic parklands in the city itself meand you can experience the great outdoors but still be within the city itself. The views from the Law have to be seen to be believed.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city's culture is about diversity. We have an award winning professional theatre company who also involve the people of the city through their outreach programmes, and provide the opportunity for amateurs to perform on the professional stage.

The city's pubs also provide many local and touring groups the opportunity to play every weekend - the choice and the quality is excellent, especially during Dundee Blues Bonanza.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wooden cobbles in Whitehall crescent.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Not sure if this is what you're after, but what I love about Dundee is getting out of it!
Nothing beats a cycle up Auchterhouse hill, sitting on top of the world in the Sidlaws overlooking the city that you've just escaped, the Tay, Tentsmuir , the Carse all laid out before you. There's no exclusivity or snobbishness up there - every man and his dog (in jeans or lycra) feel privileged to bear witness to such a beautiful sight.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It has everything we need in terms of culture: we have the DCA with it's exhibitions and workshops and the cinema which brings films not always shown at Cineworld. Both cinema's have regular showings of live opera from the Met, and cineworld had regular showings of big rock bands. Soon we will have the V&amp;A which I'm so looking forward to.

In terms of leisure we have a brand new swimming pool opening soon, and Dundee has two major league football clubs and several amatuer clubs. There are many great places to eat like Marco Polo in the centre of town and several Indian and Turkish restaraunt up the Perth Road. There are many places to drop in for coffee and home made food like the wonderful T An Cake (not sure I've spelled that right) There is also a wide variety of shops including tradtional shops like Braithwaites who are sellers of teas and coffees from around the world.

Last, but not least, is the setting of the city itself: there are many green spaces with Camperdown Park as the main place to go for a picnic and a stroll, there are the walks along the Riverside, and there are the beautiful beaches at Broughty Ferry....and beyond, the coastal scenery going toward Monifeith and Carnoustie.

I came to Dundee 25 years ago to College and much has changed in the city since, except it's friendliness and welcome of the outsider. With the two universities and colleges and the Duncan of Jordanston School of Art, Dundee is a cosmapolitan city, with students from around the world and Indian, Pakistani, Polish and Romanian folk settling in the city and rubbing along together very well. Dundee has many churches; a beautiful mosque and a Sihk Gudwarra. This melting pot gives the city it's richness and expansiveness.

I now live across the water in Fife but feel Dundee is my city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The negative attitude of some Dundonians about the aspirations of this great city. Wake up, smell the coffee and see all the great things happening here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Rep hosts a constant flow of high quality performance arts and is outstanding. Dance, mime, song, drama and comedy feature strongly. Community involvement - including youth and disabled - makes me feel fortunate and proud that we have this facility in the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> around every corner is a new surprise. Diverse and friendly
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the views
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Multicultural people, from many countries and backgrounds, all live happily together without segregation or differentiation. Dundee is a friendly, happy city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people, beaches, the Tay, its location, gateway to the countryside, Perth rd pubs, cafes, students and multi-culturalism.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> This'll sound silly, but I love the little statues in the city centre, like the Overgate Penguins and the monkey - they're small things but they make me smile whenever I see them
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Home of the UK's largest generalist Investment Trust, Alliance Trust PLC.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think of Dundee primarily as A Town By A River. Its location made it important and now it's the source of its identity.

The Tay has never been tainted by industrial pollution in the same way as other rivers that run through cities. A reflective moment by the river takes you a journey of the mind, and the memory of it ultimately drew me back here.

Economically, the river made Dundee big enough to be cosmopolitan but its economic history has dictated that the city remains small enough to feel like a home town.

Culturally, Dundee has a strong sense of itself and an appreciation of the world beyond. I think the river is Dundee's "open secret" for it is a place for thinking, reflecting and imagining. Few things are more cultured than that.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For such a small city it has so much to offer - a large, diverse and active student population, beautiful scenery, many cultural events, a lively night scene with many bars and clubs open each night, excellent transport links and several historical sites! There is never a dull moment in Dundee and there really is something for everyone!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful Magdalen Green as it pans down on to the banks of the River Tay. A very special place to me as I have had many romantic walks here, a summer BBQ proposal and then my wedding photos in the bandstand. What a peaceful and inspiring space and view!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The walk along Riverside Drive: Baxters Park: The Beach at Broughty Ferry but most of all THE PEOPLE OF DUNDEE
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Discovery
<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> When I was a youth arts worker on the Hilltown I discovered a fantastic hide out called the DPM Park, it is tucked away in the middle of houses at the 'tap o the hull' this space used to be a Dundee Pasturised Milk Dairy. The space has years of history attached to it. The park has a 'free wall' for graffiti artists and the local young people and artists to have 'Graffitti Jams' artists from around the world have created amazing art work at the DPM. France, New York, Austalia and all around the uk from London, Glasgow and Aberdeen and many more, they come here and work with our local talent and inspire the young people of Bonney Dundee. Definitely a wee hidden cultural treasure!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The most surprising thing about Dundee is that so many people are unaware of how good it is to live and work here. It's as if Dundee itself is a hidden secret. Dundee has all the facilities of a city and all the benefits of a big village. Not too big, not too small - just right! Everything is close at hand. Beautiful countryside and beaches on our doorstep with all the culture, sport and shops you could want. People are friendly and the city continues to get better. Having moved here over thirty years ago, I've seen United win the cup twice and have no wish to live anywhere else.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The accent!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is very dynamic and currently the regeneration near the River is inspiring. Dundee deserves this accolade.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum! It's hidden away on Dundee University campus but has stuffed animals, skeletons and fossils from all around the world. A fascinating look at the work of a very intersting Dundonian.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Une ribambelle de petits pinguins sur un mur et un magnifique musée!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's whaling history and the associated exhibition in the refurbished McManus Gallery
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is home to many great things. A thriving digital media sector is one of the city's greatest assets.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> there is so much to do within walking distance of the centre. There are the musems, the parks, the shopping, the variety of places to eat, the Discovery and, of course, the Beano characters in the town centre, to say nothing of the amazing old buildings where people lived and worked that show you Dundee's past. myfavourite place is Templeton Woods where you are always surprised by the wildlife and beauty of the woodland and the number of activities there.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the ground roots style activism that seems to make the City belong more to the people of the community than any other city I know. The very strong games community is one example. Another is the West End Festival that is organised by some very cool Dundonians!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of the great hidden secrets of Dundee is tin roof. Its an new art studio which has hosted a few great gigs which, I was lucky enough to attend. Just the once. I really hope to pop along again soon.
The atmosphere was brilliant. Everyone enjoying the music with a nice cold beer (there was no fridge it was just freezing!). Not to worry though, there was a nice fire out the back and when the music got a bit intense you could take a break and stroll through their gallery. It was some pretty funny cartoon sketches when i was there.
The music was everything from metal to folk. Whatever your into you'll enjoy tin roofs' events. Unless you don't like art or music of course. In that case get off the bid for city of culture. Swine!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am amazed at the number and variety of public lectures available in Dundee in the course of a year. DundeeAtrs Cafe, Cafe Science, Saturday Evening Lecture Series - in its 89th year, Armistead Lectures - over 120 series, to name but a few. All are well and enthusiastically attended.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's industrial history as a centre for textile production is apparent throughout the city. Numerous former jute mills remain standing and while some lay derelict, many have been converted into alternate usages. Of particular note are the Tay Works, built by the Gilroy Brothers c.1850-1865, Camperdown Works in Lochee, which built and owned by Cox Brothers, one of Europe's largest jute manufacturing companies, and begun in 1849, and Upper Dens Mill and Lower Dens Works, built by the Baxter Brothers in the mid 19th century.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I recently worked with elderly pensioners in the city on a food project entitled 'Food as a Trigger for Memory'. The narratives of Dundee described by the people of Dundee was a very humbling experience. What was most striking for me was the sense of community that existed in Dundee. One woman explained that in her family on a Saturday if you worked you were given a Wallace's Bridie and if you didn't you were given a pie. Another pensioner could tell the time of day by the smells coming from Nicol's Bakery.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The thing I love most about Dundee is it's creative culture. Over the years I have seen many wonderful artistic and musical talents thrive within the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Hotchpotch! An open mic night for writers every month in Braes pub on the Perth road!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of nature and natural history in and around the city amazes me, we have the Miley, Trottick, Clatto and the new reserve at Riverside. I also love being so close to the Angus Glens and the Perthshire hills where you can see all sorts of different fauna and animals.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> McGonagall's words skirt along a Silvery Tay,
A Dolphin gambols wi yachts in strong tidal bay, All can be seen fae tap o' the Law,
A jewel of a City or just affy Braw? (Paw!)

Dundee is oor city o' which we are proud,
So c'mon all you Taysiders and say it out loud.
We live here and work here and play and explore
It's simply our hame which we all adore!

3 Js a cliche but history dear,
That Oor Toon's a changin' is perfectly clear.
A chance for yet another recovery,
One City mebbe - but infinite Discovery!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fact that Dundee's law hill is actually a dormant volcano! And that it's got a secret tunnel through it! And that you can walk to the top for breathtaking views :-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Charles McKean - his lectures about Dundee are always an inspiration.
<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> Dundee isn't an 'obvious' place - you have to dig a bit deeper than in other major cities. Once you do, you start to find places like Generator (pop up exhibitions by emergent visual artists) you see Performances in community centres and other strange places (by the Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre) and mini festivals for families all across the city. The difference is that you need to seek it out. You need to talk to people and make connections. Communicate with people and Dundee is one of the most exciting places you'll come across. It's all there for the taking.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fantastic place to be right now. Great Art, Great Music, Great Design and Great Talent everywhere you look. Something for everyone here and much more. Happy vibes indeed. A warm welcome awaits all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have grown not to be surprised but to relish the amount of creativity this city fosters. From the art school and far beyond. The initiatives, artist run spaces, music, collectives and individual driving forces who make this city their home and make it amazing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sitting in front of St Mary Magdalene's church in the summer watching the world go by.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The cherry blossom 'avenue' in full bloom at Dawson Park. Its beauty surprises me every year and it is a reminder that spring has finally arrived!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Astonishing views, warm people, fantastic University!
I love Dundee, its my second home town.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The range of cultural activities and sites available in and around the city. From fantastic architecture (buildings and bridges) to a whole range of galleries and parks, to the theatres, cinemas, concert halls, football stadia, etc. Not to mention the mighty Tay and Macgonagall.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The little independent shops. Coffee, clothes or technology, there is one for everything. Big chains are great but these places are what makes the town
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are the best - real and down to earth. The art scene and music scene is fantastic. I wouldn't be working in film and doing what I do - if I didn't know where I come from - Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative hub that Dundee has become... What many people still don't know is that Dundee is a hot spot of creative talent waiting to be utilised. From the well known such as Hayley Scanlan, the DCA and Vanilla Ink, to the undergraduates at DJCAD who are always pushing the boundaries and ready for more. This is a clear reason for the V and A choosing Dundee as its scottish venue and a great reason for Dundee to become 2017 city of culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> City of nature. Lush green, fantastic landscapes, stunning views of Tay from every corner of city. A city for nature lovers.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has gone through an incredible creative regeneration. With the imminent arrival of V&amp;A, the refurbishment of McManus and a flourishing dance community, the city has an abundance of creativity. It's already a City of Discovery. A city ready and well poised to further discover it's creative future. Bring on the City of Culture!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the tay
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having spent my past 44 years living around the Tay estuary, I regularly re-discover the incredibly vibrant local music scene with which I first became familiar in 1969. The current crop of young musicians[I recently saw a 14 year old playing Peter green, Carlos Santana and Jimi Hendrix], supported and encouraged by the early 20 + year olds who had themselves been supported and are still supported by earlier generations. The Blues festival is rightly famous but you can go round many venues in Dundee weekly and hear music of the highest calibre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The big sky over Fairmuir Park on a summer's evening, walking back home from The Plough.
<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> How it was fantastic when I first visited it 35 years ago and just gets better.

An event:- Jumping on a bus 35 years ago as a west coast Dundee United Supporter. Had no idea where I was going. Bus driver said he would let me know wher to get off (and did) and a wee woman sat down and talked to me all the way to the ground.

On top of the incredible setting and natural assets, it is without doubt the friendliest city in the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> when ever i am away driving on the west coast i always look forward to coming back and i can guarantee that when i am coming along the perth dual carriage way i am always on the look out for the top of ninewells hospital then i know i am home,,,its a great site to see......
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The village community. The length of time we spend playing 'wha d'ye ken?'; a game which involves 2 initially unfamilar Dundonians grilling each other on past schools, jobs, pals, cousins and favoured social locations until a mutual connection is inevitably established (and all is right in the world again).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has often been classed as a subculture. I feel that it is a dynamic city which is thriving and growing. This is evidenced in the city centre where empty shops are at a minority and in out of town shopping centres which are fully populated. Dundee is fast becoming an important centre for science and the arts with the v&amp; a coming to Dundee. I love Dundee and am proud to be a citizen.
<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.

:)

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