Showing posts with label Arts & Culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arts & Culture. Show all posts

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Where Culture Takes Root | Drop In Community Art at the Franklin Cultural Hub during the Strawberry Stroll

Where Culture Takes Root | Drop In Community Art at the Franklin Cultural Hub
Where Culture Takes Root | Drop In
Community Art at the Franklin Cultural Hub
Join us in the heart of downtown Franklin for one of the community’s most beloved events — the Franklin Downtown Partnership’s Strawberry Stroll! On June 13th, 4-8pm, Main Street will be buzzing [and expanded up to Dean College to help connect with the Franklin Farmers' Market] with live music, local vendors, family-friendly activities, and of course, fresh strawberry shortcake served up with hometown pride.

Join the Franklin Cultural Council, Franklin Cultural District Committee and the Department of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy at the ‘Franklin Cultural Hub’ — your pop-up creative space at this year’s Strawberry Stroll (set up near the Franklin Public Library)—for a hands-on community art activity celebrating Franklin’s unique history and artistic spirit!

Led by Jessica, our Department of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy intern, visitors of all ages are invited to paint one of over 50 adorable ladybug garden stepping stones. After the event, Jess will varnish the stones and we’ll install them at the Sculpture Park alongside the beloved Fairy Houses, creating a whimsical, walkable trail of community-made art.

Just like strawberries, ladybugs are a symbol of summer, growth, and community—making them a perfect fit for the Stroll! Stop by, get creative, and leave your mark on Franklin’s landscape!

"A strawberry, like a creative spark, begins as a tiny seed—full of potential but needing the right conditions to take root. Organizers act as gardeners in this process, offering vital early support—through funding, visibility, and encouragement—that allows artists, educators, and cultural initiatives to grow.

With thoughtful investment and a nurturing environment, a single creative idea can blossom—branching out like strawberry runners to reach classrooms, libraries, town greens, galleries, and small businesses. These efforts don’t happen in isolation; they build meaningful connections, strengthen local identity, and foster collaboration. It all begins in a place where culture takes root."


Friday, May 2, 2025

Finance Committee closes out FY 2026 budget hearings (video)

The Finance Committee completed the 3rd of the series of budget hearings on the FY 2026 budget Thursday, May 1, 2025. 7 of the 8 members participated, 1 remotely (1 absent).
 
Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/C5g8YGdpTmI?&t=430
 
The agenda and released documents for this session -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05012025-1710

Quick recap
  • Up for review tonight were the General government departments, many of them much smaller than the Police, FIRE, DPW, and Schools covered previously but all key to Town services. 
  • Recreation pays for itself with fee revenue from servicing 7200 kids with 3 full time personnel
  • Library just above the minimum required by State legislation not revised since it was enabled over 100 years ago
  • Town Clerk's office runs the annual census, dog licenses, registrations, and this year 2 elections; the special override election June 3 and the local election in November (Town Council, School Cmte and other elected positions, including this year the Town Clerk).
  • Senior Center has a minimal expense budget most of it is personnel and a good portion of it is covered by fee revenue or grants. Still working on how to fine tune it, won't likely get to the fee supported  status of the Recreation Dept. May 15 ribbon cutting for the van and gazebo at the Senior Center (10 AM)
  • Resolutions for approval - all passed by same 7-0-1 (1 absent) roll call vote
    • Resolution 25-20: Recommendation of FY2026 Budget
    • Resolution 25-21: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official 
    • Resolution 25-22: Expenditure Limits for FY2026 on Departmental Revolving Funds Established by Franklin Town Code Chapter 73, as Provided in MGL Chapter 44, §53E½, as Amended 
    • Resolution 25-23: Snow and Ice Transfer of Funds 
    • Resolution 25-24: Appropriation and Transfer of Funds from Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings to Water Line Project
My notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LFcbiY2E14_zoCwZHMOjuSOpnIaaUM1J/view?usp=drive_link
 
 

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Art Pharmacy Officially Launching 5/1/25


Officially Launching May 1st - Art Pharmacy in Franklin Massachusetts

Dear Community Partners,


We're excited to officially announce the launch of Franklin's Art Pharmacy Program, beginning May 1, 2025!


Art Pharmacy is a creative well-being initiative launched by the Town of Franklin, grounded in the belief that art can be a powerful path to healing. Backed by opioid settlement funding, this visionary program is led by the Town administration in partnership with local cultural organizations, prescribing partners, and community leaders.


It connects residents with transformative arts and cultural experiences—offering "prescriptions" for creativity that nurture mental health, reduce isolation, and restore a sense of community connection. As noted by Erik Holmgren, Manager of Advancement and Strategic Partnerships at the Massachusetts Cultural Council, 'Franklin is the first municipality in the country to invest in Arts Prescriptions as a public health response to the opioid crisis—prescribing music, dance, visual arts, and more as a new tool for care.' "Funded through the Town's opioid settlement funds, their Arts Prescriptions initiative is designed to support substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery efforts within the community.


Arts Prescription is a proven tool for improving mental health and fostering resilience, and since 2020 Mass Cultural Council has been investing in and developing cross-sector partnershipto establish Arts Prescriptions in the Commonwealth. The arts have historically played a positive role in substance abuse recovery, helping to reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and depression while increasing motivation, treatment eagerness, and enjoyment. By integrating the arts into wellness strategies, the Town of Franklin aims to provide inventive, accessible support for those in need."


Read more from the Massachusetts Cultural Council Blog here.



We're proud to recognize our inaugural Cultural Partner Organizations, who have already signed on:



Here's what Pete from Pete's Nerd Emporium had to say about joining:

"Signing up was super easy, especially for how much good the program can do! No cost, no risk to the business; nothing but up side for all involved. Was an absolute no-brainer to sign up."

Registration remains open on a rolling basis for cultural organizations and prescribing partners who want to join the network. Please help us spread the word to others who may want to get involved!


To learn more, please visit the Town of Franklin's website a franklinma.gov or the Art Pharmacy landing page to access all forms and details.


Thank you for helping make Franklin a more creative, connected, and compassionate place to live. We can't wait to see the positive ripple effect the Art Pharmacy will have across our community.



Click the image to go to Enrollment form.

Click the buttons below to link up cultural events in Franklin!

Franklin Community Calendar
Franklin Matters
Franklin.TV
Town Calendar

Town of Franklin Franklin Culture District | 355 East Central Street | Franklin, MA 02038 US


Constant Contact

Monday, April 14, 2025

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



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


Constant Contact

Thursday, April 3, 2025

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!
- 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
Call for artists for the Franklin Cornhole Project


Thursday, March 27, 2025

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





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

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