Visitors and locals in the Southwest Michigan region have just half a year to collect stamps at Creative Connections destinations to win fun, artsy prizes before the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council wraps up this year’s game on May 9, 2022.
Creative Connections encourages people to discover Southwest Michigan’s creative side by visiting stops along the regional arts and culture scene. These include theatres, museums, a carousel, galleries and more. What’s in it for them? In addition to rich cultural experience and lasting memories, they can also collect a stamp and earn unique prizes along the way.
“Our community has a vibrant history and bright future in the arts, history, and culture sector,” said Matthew Bizoe, marketing and events manager of Krasl Art Center, one of the 16 game destinations. “There are great minds working in places all over our area that you may not think to visit — this gives you a great excuse to get out of the house and do some local exploring.”
Here’s how the game works:
Pick up a Creative Connections brochure. You’ll be able to request one online or at any of the Creative Connections destinations.
Visit the Creative Connections destinations (listed below). Each business will have a door decal or a flag signifying their role in the game.
Show your brochure and collect a stamp at each location you visit. Each destination has a personalized stamp.
Collect stamps to earn prizes starting at just three Creative Connections stops.
Return your brochure to the Tourist Council to be validated for prizes. Your prizes and brochure will be mailed back to you so you can continue playing.
All brochures must be sent for validation by May 9, 2022. You must be 18 years or older to play.
“We have loved seeing where visitors explore and talking about all of the additional fantastic places folks can visit when they stop by,” Bizoe said.
Creative Connections destinations include: The Acorn, ARS Gallery – Arts & Culture Center, Box Factory for the Arts, Buchanan Arts Center, Citadel Dance & Music Center, Chartreuse Art Gallery, The Gallery at Harbor Shores, The GhostLight Theatre, The History Center at Courthouse Square (Berrien County Historical Association), JLN Studio, Krasl Art Center, The Mendel Center of Lake Michigan College, Silver Beach Carousel, Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Twin City Players and Water Street Glassworks.
Whether you live in Southwest Michigan or are looking for something to do during the holidays, Creative Connections is the perfect activity for the whole family, a solo adventure or a group of friends. Make plans to visit some of the destinations above, check out the work of local artists, learn about our history, and collect stamps to earn prizes.
“We’re excited to see people playing this game and enhancing their time in our region with our vibrant arts and rich culture,” Millicent Huminsky, executive director of the Tourist Council, said. “We still have plenty of prizes left, and there is still enough time to start playing and earn them.”
Learn more about each destination and the prizes you can earn at https://swmichigan.org/creative. You’ll also find helpful FAQs, game instructions, the online brochure request and more.
The Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council connects visitors and locals alike with things to do in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties. View their curated itineraries, Makers Trail destinations, blogs, trail guides, newsletters and more online. For more information, visit https://swmichigan.org or https://www.facebook.com/swmtc/, or call 269-925-6301.
