:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

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> Has to be the Dundee derby. Friends sharing pints and banter hate each other for 90 minutes only, then meet up again for more pints and banter!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is my city now that I have retired and returned. Having spent so many years away, following the work, I have come back to warmth. Warmth in the south-facing slopes; warmth in the mellow sandstone of its fantastic buildings; warmth from the people I meet when I go into the Central Library, the University, the cafes and the shops. This is not the case in other cities and it warms my heart to think that I can now put down roots in this special place.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's micro climate. All around it can be snowing heavily and you get to Dundee and the streets are clear. We also have more sunshine than other Scottish cities--which must help us be a more cheerful city !

<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> The quality of higher education on offer in Dundee is exceptional, as attested by warm and enthusiastic student reports. World class research in a range of academic fields is recognised in the wider academic community and places Dundee University (including of course Duncan of Jordanstone College) among the very best available.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Art and music in Dundee is imbued with a strong DIY ethic. The best thing that encapsulates this is the local art collective Tin Roof - newly established and expanding further across cultural territories; Tin Roof provides Dundee with a platform for artists, and musicians alike. Audiences and general appreciators of culture can expect the intimacy and refreshing rawness of grass-roots level art and music.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its a great location. Its not a hidden secret. The River Tay is a most beautiful waterfront to cycle along. I came to work in Dundee 30+ years ago as NHS Tayside was providing innovative Clinical Psychology services. Dundee continues to develop better ways to reduce the impact of historical poverty. I have enjoyed living and working amongst friendly people who know their history is often a mix of wealth and hardship but are keen live in a thriving place and make this better for all. Concerts, theatre, parks and nightlife all contribute to this. Braithwaites tea & coffee shop is just one small corner of this.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty of the parks, especially around the observatory an early morning!

<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 mcManus and beautiful views along riverside.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The South facing slopes of the town and the winter sun. But especially the McManus and the DCA

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm always surprised how Dundee feels like a smaller place than it actually is, with it's unique geography. I also like how proud Dundonians are of their city. And the waterfront development can only help make this city even better.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Amazed at the history at the Howe and the fact that the original university was nearby.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The river Tay and all that's built along it! And a wonderful people.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative community in Dundee is 2nd to none and continues to grow!
Coming from Glasgow I love Dundee as it feels more like a big town than a city. The people are extremely friendly and it has some beautiful scenery. Anytime you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the town the countryside is just moments away.

<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> Its tenacity

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its setting - coming home from whatever direction - over the bridge, along the Carse, or from north or east - nestling on and around the Law and overlooking the Tay - beautiful and welcoming - home!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The City itself.
It is full of little surprises that you never new about until you accidentally discover them.
Old beautiful Buildings you didn't know existed in the middle of the busy high street. Or even some of the people that used to live here.

Its strong history gives it a sense of culture I have never seen before.

<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 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> How everyone knows one another and how they welcome new people in surprises me about Dundee. Everyone has the same or similar memories of places and even with new students etc moving to Dundee they can still join in and create memories.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The computer games culture in Dundee is excellent; it's easy to meet industry folks for a pint, particularly (Bert) Wednesdays and I enjoy fighting game action with Giant Attack Dundee as well, also in the pub.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> So much green space

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a perfect sized city, where you can run into friends that you know often, unlike in bigger cities. Is also big enough that you can meet a vast variety of different people.

Also the law hill is one of the most amazing places ever.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All my stuff is here.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having relocated from Edinburgh over four years ago, I was surprised at how positive and ambitious the city was (and is). There is a real sense of excitement being generated. It's about time Dundee got recognised for how much it has to offer.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Voluntary Sector - caring, accessable and the life and soul of the city

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty Ferry Beach - minutes from the City Centre

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Twenty odd years ago I was first acquainted with Dundee as a part of the design team for the Discovery project and I now have a home just outside of the city. My main responsibility was the design of things on-board the ship itself which included the flock of sheep (not as big as it could have been) on the shore, etc. It was a period of great energy and creativity, but was grounded in solid research.
At that time there was a lot of talk about how good things in the city could be, and most of it has happened plus a lot more. The later things such as the V&A are an extension of that vision for culture whilst not loosing sight of the past. This is the core of Dundee.
The whole place has a 'life' to it and all of its attractions are not only for visitors, but are of relevance to all who live there.
I am thinking in particular of the McManus, the DCA & the Rep'. It has a dynamic student population and a world class Art & Design School in The Duncan of Jordanstone.

The proposed long term plan for the waterfront looks as though it should work well, and take advantage of the truly wonderful river aspect. But whilst I am glad to see the back of the Council Tower, various blocks of flats & the Olympia pool, the Railway station & the ex Stakis/Hilton might be a loss in terms of architectural progression - not all '70ies was bad.

The Unicorn needs to be integrated much more into the scheme of things, it is a gem, and perhaps a museum of transport and the docks, should be considered, in particular as unlike at a lot of other places, the docks still work.

<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> Rusty Hip is a Dundonian music collective that organizes gigs, writes zines and keep people informed about upcoming music and art events in the city. Rusty Hip had their first event last month and over 250 people turned up in the freezing cold to have a good time. The event was held in Tin Roof, an arts collective and studio space also based in Dundee. The existence of these two organisations has added to the growing number of organisations that make Dundee a city full of culture.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In the last few decades Dundee has added a cathedral, it's now a City an airport, added a road bridge across the Tay, a University or two, a V. & A. Museum, and retains its Medical Knowledge, its history (adding to its naval vessels). What more can anyone ask of a City?

I support Dundee's claim to be European City of Culture.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is full of secrets - a walk around the town shows so many hidden things we miss when driving around. The Dundee women's trail, for example and the Time Gun at Dudhope Park. Our parks are glorious!

I also believe we are responsible for the culinary innovation of 'The Mince Roll'. We deserve credit for that.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Take a walk through Balgay Park on a frosty winter night. Wind your way up through the trees till the heavens open up above you. The observatory is there but you won't need it; the stars are close enough to touch.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee buzzes with creative energy. For a city of its size, it has a large and very active scene. Best of all, it has imaginative, creative, dynamic people who make it special!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There's so much going on in such a relatively small city. You just have to know where to look. There's always an Art opening or gig to check out.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is part of national life-only think of Dundee cake and Dundee marmalade.
But would you have guessed that when it kicked Winston Churchill out after serving as its MP for 14 years,it would elect a temperance candidate?
And who exactly was Bonnie Dundee of the song

<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> It's passion, drive and dedication towards creativity and culture.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the closest two football stadiums in the world.

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