Town of Franklin issues a "CALL FOR ARTISTS" + Includes Stipend Opportunities

Let's get your artwork published!

Call for Artists | Fairy Trails & Franklin Tales The Town of Franklin's Department of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy invites artists and creators of all ages to craft an environmentally friendly fairy house for display in the Franklin Sculpture Park! As part of our Fairy Trails & Tales of Franklin exhibition, we're looking for imaginative and sustainable designs that harmonize with the park's natural beauty. Click here for more details. Call for Artists| Artsy Boxes ARTIST STIPEND AVAILABLE Call for Artists – 2025 Artsy Box Project | Join us in adding color, creativity, and culture to Franklin's streets!  The Franklin Cultural District Committee is excited to announce the 2025 Artsy Box Project, inviting artists to transform a utility box in downtown Franklin into a vibrant public art piece! This initiative celebrates Franklin's creativity and history by showcasing art inspired by nature and community. We welcome artists of all backgrounds—established and emerging—to submit their most uplifting and colorful designs. Click here for more details.   Call for Artists| Micro Galleries ARTIST STIPEND AVAILABLE Franklin's first public art micro gallery is a unique, small-scale exhibition space housed inside a repurposed neighborhood library box. This innovative initiative transforms a traditional book-sharing box into a miniature art gallery, bringing accessible, rotating exhibitions to the heart of our community. Located in an accessible public space, the micro gallery will feature small, original artworks created by local and regional artists. Much like a traditional gallery but on a smaller scale, this space will showcase diverse artistic voices while encouraging engagement, curiosity, and creativity among residents and visitors alike. Click here for more details. Call for Artists| The Art of Play: Franklin's Cornhole Project ARTIST STIPEND AVAILABLE The Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy is seeking artists to create/share vibrant, pieces of artwork for cornhole boards that will be used at town festivals and events for years to come! This is a unique opportunity to bring public art into an accessible, interactive setting, allowing the community to experience and enjoy local creativity in a whole new way. Upcoming events these boards will be featured: Strawberry Stroll, Farmers Markets, PorchFest! Click here for more details. Call for Artists & Writers | Featured in Printed + Digital District Guides Who We're Looking For: Visual artists: illustrators, painters, photographers, printmakers, digital artists, muralists. Writers: poets, lyricists, flash fiction authors, and storytellers Open to creatives who live, work, or create in Franklin or nearby communities. Artwork or short written pieces (poems, lyrics, or very short stories) that reflect the essence of Franklin—its community, creativity, culture, seasons, and shared spaces. Themes can include nature, community connection, public gathering, small-town life, cultural expression, or the passage of seasons. Selected Creatives Will Receive: Featured placement in the seasonal printed guides Artist/writer credit and short feature with your name and contact/social info + artist statements Promotion via Franklin Culture's digital platforms Timeline: Submission Deadline: Wednesday, May 21st Summer Guide Release: Mid June 2025 Fall/Winter Guide Release: October 2025 How to Submit: Email 3–5 art samples (JPEG or PDF) or 1–2 written pieces (under 250 words each), along with a short bio and why you'd like to participate, the Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy Cory Shea, Cshea@franklinma.gov with the subject line: FCD Creative Submission 2025 by Wednesday May 21st Town of Franklin Franklin Culture District | 355 East Central Street | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Call for artists for the Franklin Cornhole Project

Spring has SPRUNG - and do we have some projects for YOU! Check out all the new 'Call for Artists' on our website!

- Fairy Trails and Franklin Tales

- Artsy Boxes

- Micro Galleries

- The Art of Play - Franklin Cornhole Projects

Most of these calls include a stipend for artists!! Don't miss out!

"The Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy is seeking artists to create/share vibrant, pieces of artwork for cornhole boards that will be used at town festivals and events for years to come! This is a unique opportunity to bring public art into an accessible, interactive setting, allowing the community to experience and enjoy local creativity in a whole new way.Upcoming events  these boards will be featured: Strawberry Stroll, Farmers Markets, PorchFest!"

Entry submission for Cornhole Project is May 1, 2025 

More info and entry form -> https://www.franklinma.gov/1107/Call-for-Artists

Call for artists for the Franklin Cornhole Project

Use of Opioid Settlement Funds to bring Art Pharmacy to Franklin "another first of many" (video)

The Art Pharmacy Community Conversation was held at THE BLACK BOX on March 5, 2025. Cory Shea, Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy opened the event with 3 panelists who made brief presentations and then participated in a Q&A session.

Panelists:

• Michael Bobbitt, Mass Cultural Council

• Emily Devlin, Art Pharmacy

• Amy Friguiletti, Deputy Town Administrator

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKvpBwHdyNE

The audio version (minus the Q&A section) can also be found online here ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/use-of-opioid-settlement-funds-to-bring.html

Use of Opioid Settlement Funds to bring Art Pharmacy to Franklin "another first of many"

Cultural arts a key force for our economy

Via the Mass Cultural Council 

On Monday, Mass Cultural Council Executive Director Michael Bobbitt and Senior Director of Public Affairs Bethann Steiner testified before the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Ways & Means in support of the Agency’s $28 million funding request for Fiscal Year 2026.

The hearing, which was held in Gloucester City Hall and chaired by Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante and Senator Jake Oliveria, was focused on the Governor’s H. 1 budget recommendations for various economic development focused secretaries, state agencies, boards, and commissions, such as the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, the Executive Office of Economic Development, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, Mass Cultural Council, Mass Board of Library Commissioners, Commission on the Status of Women, and the Cannabis Control Commission.

During their presentation, Mass Cultural Council’s representatives outlined the reasons for the Agency’s $28 million request and were available to respond to questions from the Committee members. Once the Committee completes its schedule of hearings, the House Committee on Ways and Means will release its spending plan for debate in April, followed by the Senate budget debate in May. FY26 begins on July 1, 2025.

Related to this action:

"Artists and cultural organizations fuel our economy, communities, and identities as a vital health and human service—yet too many are barely getting by.

Today Mass Cultural Council released the 2024 Massachusetts Cultural Asset Inventory. This comprehensive project, developed in collaboration with Diversity North Group, identifies and documents thousands of cultural organizations, programs, and individuals contributing to the state’s vibrant cultural landscape.

The Cultural Asset Inventory provides a wealth of information that will be instrumental in informing future cultural policies, programs, and initiatives. Its key findings are outlined in the Agency’s press release and detailed in a Summary Report, and County Fact Sheets."

Continue reading the article -> https://massculturalcouncil.org/blog/this-is-a-wake-up-call/

Press release on Fact Sheets -> https://massculturalcouncil.org/blog/2024-cultural-asset-inventory-reveals-key-insights/

Final report on Asset Inventory -> https://massculturalcouncil.org/documents/2024_MA_Cultural_Asset_Inventory_Final_Report.pdf  or  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vHBMogmqINexnjd7zdyK1-xI_dXIT3VZ/view?usp=drive_link

Norfolk County summary ->   https://massculturalcouncil.org/documents/2024_MA_Cultural_Asset_Inventory_Norfolk_1pager.pdf  or 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13oWWJ3CqvQ9DHkvrzcfXyLvqWE5TNda3/view?usp=drive_link

YOU'RE Invited!! Cultural Volunteer & FY25 Grant Recipient Reception - March 13 at 7 PM

A Night of Gratitude – Honoring Franklin's Cultural Volunteers & Grant Recipients

Thursday, March 13  7 - 8:30 PM | Dean College | Guidrey Center, Paula Rooney Student Center RSVP here! Dear Franklin Community, We invite you to an evening of celebration, appreciation, and connection—where we come together to honor the people who make Franklin's cultural heartbeat so strong. This special night is dedicated to you—our incredible volunteers, artists, and supporters—who pour passion, time, and creativity into making Franklin a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. We will recognize our FY2025 grant recipients, whose work continues to inspire and enrich our community. And we are honored to celebrate a group of outstanding cultural volunteers whose dedication has made a lasting impact on Franklin's arts and culture: Amy Adams – Franklin Cultural District Sarah Cronin – Franklin Cultural Council Lauren Kloos & Roger Trahan – Franklin Farmers' Market Brenna Johnson – Franklin High School Ceramics Instructor & Empty Bowls Coordinator with the Franklin Food Pantry This event is free and open to all, and we would love to celebrate with as many of you as possible. We can't wait to share this evening of gratitude, laughter, and community with you. Thank you for being part of Franklin's creative story! Town of Franklin Franklin Culture District | 355 East Central Street | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Use of Opioid Settlement Funds to bring Art Pharmacy to Franklin "another first of many"

FM #1396 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1396 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Art Pharmacy Community Conversation held at THE BLACK BOX on March 5, 2025. Cory Shea, Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy opened the event with 3 panelists who made brief presentations and then participated in a Q&A session.

Panelists:

• Michael Bobbitt, Mass Cultural Council

• Emily Devlin, Art Pharmacy

• Amy Friguiletti, Deputy Town Administrator

The Q&A session of this is not shared, the audio quality was not sufficient.

The presentation portion of the event runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen to overview of Art Pharmacy and how the Town of Franklin will be the first community to use their Opioid Settlement funds to  use this Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1396-art-pharmacy-community-comversation-03-05-25/

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** Presentation by Michael Bobbitt -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_g76jrwROR3wWehzLD5mDxrWk3zhk8Uo/view?usp=drive_link

Mass Cultural Council press release on Art Pharmacy -> https://massculturalcouncil.org/blog/introducing-the-first-statewide-social-prescribing-solution-in-the-u-s/ 

Mass Cultural Council -> https://massculturalcouncil.org/ 

Michael Bobbit -> https://massculturalcouncil.org/about/staff/michael-j-bobbitt-bio/ 

** Presentation by Emily Devlin -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yFFjIH-x0lHx53F8MMwxatqg_JoDJ35F/view?usp=drive_link

Art Pharmacy ->  https://www.artpharmacy.co/ 

Emily Devlin -> https://www.artpharmacy.co/about 

** Town of Franklin ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/ 

Amy Friguilett -> https://www.franklinma.gov/159/Administrator 

Cory Shea -> https://www.franklinma.gov/916/Arts-Culture-and-the-Creative-Economy

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The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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Use of Opioid Settlement Funds to bring Art Pharmacy to Franklin "another first of many"

You're Invited! #ThinkFranklinFirst (2/26), Community Conversation (3/5) FY2025 Grant recipients (3/13)

Community Conversations + A Celebration!

Springing into Arts & Culture

Department of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy Think Franklin First Gift Card Program Art Pharmacy in Franklin Franklin Cultural Volunteer & Grant Recipient Reception Call for Artists

FEBRUARY 26TH | 7 PM DEAN BANK By attending this event, you'll discover how your business can become a participating merchant, the benefits of joining the program, and how to maximize your exposure to local consumers. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow business owners and contribute to the growth of Franklin's local economy. Click here for more info + to RSVP

MARCH 5TH | 12-2 PM, Black Box Theater We're thrilled to welcome Michael Bobbitt (Mass Cultural Council) & Emily Devlin (Art Pharmacy) as we explore how Art Pharmacy—a nationally recognized program—will support substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment & recovery in our community.⁠ This is your chance to get involved and help bring this initiative to life!⁠ ⁠ 🔹 Learn how Art Pharmacy will impact Franklin⁠ 🔹 Discover partnership opportunities⁠ 🔹 Explore the role of arts in mental health & social connection⁠ Click here for more info + RSVP

MARCH 13TH | SAVE THE DATE Thursday, March 13th, 7-8:30pm | A night to honor our FY2025 grant recipients and our Franklin cultural volunteers Dean College | Guidrey Center in the Paula Rooney Student Center. Our reception is free and open to the public. Click here to RSVP

Read more on the Town of Franklin website under the Department of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy. Town of Franklin Franklin Culture District | 355 East Central Street | Franklin, MA 02038 US