'Connect The Dots' Competition Seeks To Boost Links Between Michigan Cities
DETROIT (AP) - A one-night competition that seeks ways to make connections between Michigan's cities and cultures is taking place next month in Detroit.
Participants in "Connect the Dots" will compete at a temporary downtown venue called "Michigan House: Detroit" for a $5,000 prize. They are expected to pitch ideas such as business proposals and statewide music, film or art festivals.
"We feel like the creative industry and creative economy umbrella is the tent that can unify the state," said Joe Voss, director of strategic partnerships for Creative Many Michigan, a statewide nonprofit formerly known as ArtServe Michigan that's involved.
The program follows the lead of "5x5 Night" in Grand Rapids that gives up to five people 5 minutes using five slides to persuade five judges to give them a share of $5,000. Venture capital effort Start Garden said that format has helped share ideas and build connections.
"Michigan has shown immense power to create transformative products, services and events, and we are looking for that next idea, of any size, that will have big potential impact to bring our state together," said Paul Moore, communications director at Start Garden.
A call for entries is posted online. The event is Jan. 13, when previews are taking place for the North American International Auto Show.
For more information, visit 5x5night.com.
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