HOW ONE of Dundee’s top arts destinations fits into the wider region’s culture and tourism ambitions has come under the spotlight.
DCA played host to a visit by leading councillors as part of the fact-finding mission around the Tay Cities Deal bid.
Elected members from Angus, Dundee, Fife and Perth & Kinross councils saw for themselves the opportunities on offer at the contemporary arts centre and met director Beth Bate.
Developments at the DCA are among more than 50 projects included in a submission document to bring an employment boost through a number of key sectors including culture and tourism.
Beth Bate, Director of DCA, said: “DCA has had huge economic, cultural and social impact on Dundee and the Tay Cities region since opening in 1999. As we approach our 20th birthday this project would give us the opportunity to develop the organisation to become an even more effective driver of tourism in the city, and to employ even more people to help us do so.”
Cllr Bob Myles, leader of Angus Council said: ““It was pleasing to have the opportunity to visit the DCA with the other council leader and I was very impressed by the amount that has been done for and by the public. It is another attraction, like the V&A and Hospitalfield House in Arbroath for example, that is geared towards making longer stays in this area a very real attraction for tourists.
“The aim of us all is to make this part of Scotland a must visit destination for visitors – nationally and internationally. Tourism is a key sector for Angus worth £227m annually and attracting over 1m visitors but by working together – city and rural – we can bring in new types of visitors to appreciate all the exciting activities and attractions available across the region.”
John Alexander, leader of Dundee City Council, said: “Tourism was worth more than £150m to the Dundee economy alone according to the latest figures and having a vibrant, diverse and attractive offering is important to growing the sector.
“By doing that we will help to deliver our commitment to increasing jobs and prosperity in a vibrant and attractive area with an excellent quality of life where people choose to live, learn, work and visit.”
Cllr Karen Marjoram, Fife Council, said: “The Tay Cities Regional Deal is reinforcing the strong connections between Dundee, Perth and Kinross, Angus and the North East Fife economy.
“This Cities Deal will build on the many distinct strengths of the region, increasing jobs and developing opportunities across tourism, the creative industries, food and drink, and the health and care sectors. Our rich cultural heritage generates significant visitor revenue and tourism is already worth over £565m annually to Fife.”
The Tay Cities Deal is a partnership between local, Scottish and UK governments and the private, academic and voluntary sectors which seeks to create a smarter and fairer Angus, Dundee, Fife and Perth & Kinross.
These projects have the potential to deliver thousands of job opportunities across the region.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
mike.boyle@dundeecity.gov.uk 01382 434196
communications@angus.gov.uk 01307 476090
Fifecouncil.news@fife.gov.uk 01592 583312
communications@pkc.gov.uk 01738 475045
