‘Clear message’ sent that we want Culture 2023

Campaign with 500 names earns online thanks

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.

Yesterday’s edition featured our largest-ever vox pop, with 500 readers explaining what Europe means to them.

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, 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.”

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.

Suggestions can be submitted through the bid’s new website, www. dundee2023.eu, which went live yesterday.

The city’s bid has been backed by Dundee City Council and EventScotland.

Mr Murdoch added: “This is a once-ina-generation opportunity – the equivalent of the cultural Olympics.

“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 to the economy and create 1,600 new job opportunities.

Dundee City Council leader Councillor John Alexander said: “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.

Scottish culture secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “As the first Unesco City of Design in the UK and home to the worldclass V&A museum, Dundee is helping to promote Scotland’s culture and design tradition worldwide.

“I wish Dundee every success with their bid.”

Picture: Kris Miller. The Courier featured 500 messages from people supporting Dundee’s campaign to be European Capital of Culture, something praised by bid organisers.