City.

A city is not an accident but the result of coherent visions and aims.

-- Leon Krier, The Architecture of Community


Dundee is in the process of bidding to be the UK's City of Culture in 2017, a competition run by the UK government which uses culture and creativity to transform communities.

As part of the bid, a website called We Dundee has been created to gather 2,017 reasons from the people who live here, as to why the city deserves to win. It's simple - you just add your thoughts, in 100 words or less ... What surprises you about the city?

This is what I wrote:

I've been working in Dundee for nearly a year, and living here for less time than that, but in these past few months the thing that has struck me most is that Dundee has a real, vibrant, rich sense of community and a great spirit. People from all walks of life support each other, working together to make their communities, and the city as a whole, stronger. Dundee's cultural organisations provide a focal point for people, offering platforms and opportunities for creative communities to flourish. Dundee would be a fantastic choice for the UK City of Culture 2017!

Eleven places have put their names forward, and the only other Scottish city is Aberdeen. Initial bids must be submitted by the end of April, and a shortlist will be announced in June.

Fingers crossed!!!