Friday, May 17, 2019

Franklin Cultural District Dedication Held - May 10, 2019

The Franklin Cultural District held a formal dedication ceremony on Friday, May 10, at the Franklin Historical Museum. Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham), Representative Jeff Roy (D-Franklin), Susan Nicholl as the community liaison for Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland), and Anita Walker, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, all spoke along with the Chair of the Franklin Town Council Tom Mercer and the Vice Chair of the Franklin Cultural District Committee John LoPresti. 

Each emphasized the strength and vibrancy of arts and culture in Franklin and what an important milestone it is to achieve Cultural District status. Franklin is the 46th community in Massachusetts to establish a Cultural District.

"Franklin is an absolute treasure and a great addition to our Cultural District Initiative. The history and cultural vitality of this community makes it a destination for visitors as well as a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. Most impressive is the spirit and energy that brings this cultural district to life," says Anita Walker.

The Franklin Cultural District (FCD) is a demarcated region within the town that encompasses the cultural facilities, activities, and assets that lie in a compact, walkable area. Along with having the nation's first public library, Franklin is also home to Dean College, the Franklin Historical Museum, the Franklin Public Schools (a district well known for its strong music and art programs, including FHS' Arts Academy), over 25 other cultural, performing, visual arts and dance studios and associations, and a variety of restaurants and cafes. Establishment of the FCD will likely attract additional arts and cultural organizations in the future, driving economic development.

An official Franklin Cultural District sign was unveiled at the dedication, along with a new logo and the launch of a new website, which can be found at www.franklinculture.org. The website includes a listing of all arts and cultural partners in town, along with a District-wide arts calendar.

Franklin Cultural District
Franklin Cultural District

The dedication ceremony was followed by a wine and cheese reception at THE BLACK BOX theater, where students from Franklin High School and the Franklin School for the Performing Arts performed, followed by a solo by Rep. Jeff Roy, a duet with Roy and Senator Rausch accompanied by Franklin Public Schools music teacher Jamie Barrett, and then a finale with Barrett performing his original song "The City Known As The Town Of Franklin". Both FCD Partner organizations and interested town residents were in attendance, full of positive comments that added to the celebratory spirit of the event.

To learn more about the Franklin Cultural District, their partners, and upcoming activities and events, visit their website at www.franklinculture.org, or follow them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FranklinCultureMA), Twitter (@FranklinCulture), and Instagram (@franklinculture)

 from left:Franklin Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, FCD Committee member Stacey David, Franklin Town Councilman Robert Dellorco,  FCD Committee member Nancy Schoen, Senator Becca Rausch, FCD Committee member John LoPresti, MCC Executive Director Anita Walker, FCD Committee member Pandora Carlucci, Representative Jeff Roy, Franklin Town Council Chair Tom Mercer
 from left:Franklin Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, FCD Committee member Stacey David, Franklin Town Councilman Robert Dellorco,  FCD Committee member Nancy Schoen, Senator Becca Rausch, FCD Committee member John LoPresti, MCC Executive Director Anita Walker, FCD Committee member Pandora Carlucci, Representative Jeff Roy, Franklin Town Council Chair Tom Mercer 

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