Dundee Culture launches ‘Keep Dundee Growing’ campaign as Botanic Garden petition hits 15,000 signatures

Dundee Culture has launched a new city-wide campaign designed to bring together efforts to support some of Dundee’s most valued institutions and initiatives.

The new Keep Dundee Growing campaign follows an overwhelming public response to calls to help protect the future of Dundee Botanic Garden, with the petition promoted by Dundee Culture now hitting an incredible 15,000 signatures.

While the Botanic Garden remains at the heart of the campaign, Keep Dundee Growing will also raise awareness of other important issues affecting the city, including the future of the Cooper Gallery and University of Dundee courses facing closure.

Andrew Batchelor, founder of Dundee Culture, said the response from the public demonstrated just how passionate people are about Dundee’s future.

“The support for the Botanic Garden campaign has been incredible. Seeing thousands of people come together to protect something that means so much to our city has been genuinely inspiring.

“It became clear that this wasn’t simply about one place. People care deeply about Dundee’s culture, education, heritage and green spaces, and that’s what Keep Dundee Growing is all about.”

The launch of the campaign comes as conversations continue behind the scenes about the future of the Botanic Garden and the wider challenges facing the University of Dundee.

Andrew said he has been encouraged by discussions taking place with people and organisations he has been in contact with and hopes those conversations will continue to build momentum in the weeks ahead.

“Every conversation and every person who chooses to get involved helps keep these issues moving forward. While there is still a long way to go, it’s encouraging to see people from across the community working towards positive solutions.”

Dundee Culture says Keep Dundee Growing will continue to provide updates on the Botanic Garden campaign while highlighting issues affecting Dundee’s cultural, educational and heritage organisations, as well as opportunities for the public to get involved.

The initiative has been designed as an umbrella campaign, allowing Dundee Culture to support a range of projects and organisations that contribute to the city’s future, while celebrating positive progress wherever it is made.

Andrew added: “This campaign is about believing in Dundee and recognising the importance of investing in its future. Our parks, museums, galleries, education and heritage all play an important role in shaping the city we know today.

“Keep Dundee Growing is about bringing people together, sharing accurate information, celebrating progress and encouraging people to support the places and opportunities that make Dundee special.

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has signed petitions, shared posts, started conversations and supported these efforts so far. Together, we can help keep Dundee growing.”