The launch of Dundee’s bid to become European Capital of Culture 2023 has received support from across Scotland – with The Courier’s special edition singled out for thanks.
Thursday’s edition featured our largest-ever vox pop, with 500 readers explaining what Europe means to them.
Huge thanks to @thecourieruk for this incredible special #Dundee2023 edition and to everyone who contributed their stories! pic.twitter.com/rzgdv4mqsf
— Dundee2023 (@dundee2023) July 20, 2017
Dundee City Council’s director of leisure and culture Stewart Murdoch, who is heading up the bid, took to social media to thank The Courier for kicking off the official launch of the bid in style.
In a video posted online Mr Murdoch said: “A huge thank you to the team at The Courier and all those who posted a message in support of Dundee’s bid to become European Capital of Culture 2023.
“You’ve sent a very clear message and we wanted to say thank you to you.”
Enjoying reading all the #dundee2023 tweets. Brilliant to see so many in the city and beyond supporting the bid. pic.twitter.com/uhyLmBiSkd
— Kevin McGinley (@kevinmcginley16) July 20, 2017
The official bid will be submitted in just under 100 days’ time and people from across Scotland are being asked to contribute ideas for events that could form part of Dundee’s programme in 2023 if the bid is successful.
The best ideas will be included in the 80-page official bid book when it is submitted to the 12-strong judging panel in October.
We're backing #Dundee's European Capital of Culture Bid! Share your #Dundee2023 ideas at https://t.co/IXaMYpJ1Q9 pic.twitter.com/au6BgfxvN0
— The McManus (@McManusDundee) July 20, 2017
Suggestions can be submitted through the bid’s new website, www.dundee2023.eu, which went live on Thursday.
The city’s bid has been backed by Dundee City Council and EventScotland, and dozens of other groups and organisations took to social media to voice their support for the bid.
Figure skaters who train at @dundeeice are amongst the best in Europe & regularly compete at elite events across the continent #Dundee2023 pic.twitter.com/qAvAo4cuj3
— Leisure & Culture (@LACDundee) July 20, 2017
Mr Murdoch added: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity – the equivalent of the cultural Olympics.
“It’s a chance for Dundee to host a year of major international events and showcase Scotland’s creative and cultural talent by winning a title that will never be available to the UK again.
“The Capital of Culture Bid is successful when the city is fully behind it, and we need to convince the competition judges of that.”
If Dundee is successful at becoming European Capital of Culture 2023 it is estimated it would bring an estimated £128 million increase to the economy and create 1,600 new job opportunities.
Scottish culture secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “As the first UNESCO City of Design in the UK and home to the world-class V&A museum, Dundee is helping to promote Scotland’s culture and design tradition worldwide, strengthening its reputation as an international hub of creative excellence. I wish Dundee every success with their bid.”
A fantastic opportunity for the city! Dundee launches its #dundee2023 bid. https://t.co/tRnGWxq5Hv @dundee2023 @DundeeCouncil pic.twitter.com/gsx2WO8vfE
— VisitScotland News (@VisitScotNews) July 20, 2017
Dundee City Council leader Councillor John Alexander said: “This city is and has been going through a cultural renaissance over the last few years and our journey towards 2023 is a hugely exciting opportunity.
“We are a city that is creating our own future. With 100 days to go until the bid is submitted, I would urge you all to play your part in shaping our vision for Dundee to be the European Capital of Culture for 2023.
“Be bold, be ambitious, be Dundee.”
