Dundee’s new art scene is emerging from the city streets (Image: Alam/Maria Falconer)

When thinking of Scottish art, Edinburgh is definitely the first place that comes to mind. Especially this month, Fringe is in full swing.

But an hour and a half later, a hilarious contestant joins the action.

As we enter Dundee’s spectacular V&A space, we’re greeted by dancer Matthew Hawkins, who looks like a Lego spaceship on top of a giant tay.

“I’m here because I’m interested,” says Hawkins. “It is a community project that organizes people in spaces where you do dances, workshops, etc. The response has been very good.

Its angular movements echo Clarke’s innovative ballet work.

As such, it is the Michael Clarke exhibition, which uses a cacophony of sets, extravagant costumes and video screens to tell the story of the extraordinary career of Scottish dancers, from the Royal Ballet to post-punk. . Choreographer who has collaborated with The Fall, Leigh Bowery, Sarah Lucas, and Jarvis Cocker.

The V&A Design Museum in Dundee, Tayside, Scotland.

The newly completed V&A Design Museum in Dundee (Image: Alamy Photo)

Antigone, the latest work by Joan Crevillier, artistic director of Scottish Dance Theater

Meet Antigone, artistic director of the Scottish Dance Theater joan creville His latest work (Image: Maria Falconer)

V&A Dundee is part of an ongoing transformation of the city’s waterfront. “It brings people closer to the river,” says Hawkins. “Give energy to the field”

Joan Creville, artistic director of the Scottish Dance Theatre, just steps from the V&A, agrees. “The public here wants to experience new things. They don’t feel like they have to play it safe.”

Cleville’s latest production, Antigone, Interrupted, has moved from Dundee to the Edinburgh Fringe and runs at Dance Base until August 28.

VA Dundee presents the first major exhibition of innovative Scottish dancer and choreographer Michael Clarke on March 5, 2022, organized by the Barbican curatorial team in London.

Dundee’s first major V&A exhibition Open (Image: Mick McGurk)

A rainbow over the historic city center of Dundee in the rain at sunset. Scotland, UK.

Don’t miss Dundee (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The only ace card that Dundee has is his scale.

As you walk through the city’s iconic Desperate Dan sculpture (an homage to the city’s DC Thomson comics), you’ll find a variety of galleries, from pop-inspired Dundee Contemporary Arts to a powerful space for video installations. around Fan. ) to the more traditional McManus range.

The latter now houses Love Letters to Dundee, a collection of Joseph Mackenzie photographs from the 1960s to the 1980s.

In the meantime, if you’re feeling up to it, get ready for the Broughty Ferry Active Travel project. The project aims to open next spring and allow everyone to walk or bike around the city.

No wonder the dungeon is dancing with joy.


Logistics to visit Dundee

Get to Dundee

Return flights from London City Airport to Dundee from £179. The V&A is a 3 minute walk from the station. Trains from London start at £45 each way.

what will we see

  • Nostalgic musical The Steamie at Dundee Rep until September

  • Michael Clarke: Cosmic Dancer runs through September 4 at the V&A

  • Love Letters to Dundee: Joseph Mackenzie Photographs 1964-1987 is on view at McManus through September 4.

Where to stay in Dundee

DC Thomson hustler Denise Menace puts a raunchy twist on rooms at the Malmaison Hotel.

Rates start at £144 per night for two people.

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