Franklin Cultural Council FY27 Grant Applications open until October 16, 2026

It’s time to write your Franklin Cultural Council FY27 Grant Applications!  

From now until October 16th, the Franklin Cultural Council is accepting applications for grants which support arts and culture programs for Franklinites. 

 

Here is the link to the portal where you can learn more and start YOUR GRANT APPLICATION:  https://massculturalcouncil.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp

Shared from -  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DUh2qSfcu/

Fall/Winter Cultural District Guide 'call for featured artists and writers' - deadline extended to Sep 7

"Due to the flurry of anxious emails about our #callforartists timeline for the upcoming Fall/Winter Cultural District Guide 'call for featured artists and writers' we're extending the submission deadline to September 7th - woo! ⁠
⁠
Don't stress and submit your work!⁠
⁠
Our profile is linked up with more information!"

Direct link - https://www.franklinma.gov/1382/Cultural-District-Guide-FallWinter-Featu

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DctVOhCGB_V/

Save the Date: The 2026 A-Wreath-of-Franklin is scheduled for Dec 12

via Cory Shea

"Greetings Franklin community members!

Please save the date for Saturday, December 12, 2026, 11 AM-4 PM for the 2026 A-Wreath-of-Franklin program!  

This year’s theme was suggested by a Franklin resident through the Franklin Cultural Council’s social media engagement—and the 2026 theme is… drum roll, please… “The Magic We Make”! 

Building on the success and momentum of previous years (here is the program website for last year); A-Wreath-of-Franklin continues to bring together local businesses, artists, cultural organizations, community partners, and residents to celebrate creativity/community and holiday cheer for all to hear (I hope you pictured that in Will Ferrell's Buddy the Elf voice), season while driving activity throughout downtown Franklin.

Our cultural volunteers and I are excited to begin planning and look forward to working with you to make 2026 another memorable community celebration!! "

FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Department of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy

From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing.

General Purpose

The Department of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy exists to foster a thriving, inclusive, and dynamic cultural environment that enhances the quality of life in the Town of Franklin.

The department works to position Franklin as a regional leader in arts, culture, and creative innovation, ensuring that cultural engagement remains a core part of the town’s identity, economic vitality, and long-term growth.

Core Functions

● Supports and Promotes Local Arts

○ Encourages the growth of artists, cultural organizations, and creative enterprises through programming, partnerships, and public opportunities.

● Drives Economic Development

○ Leverages Franklin’s cultural assets to increase tourism, support local businesses, and strengthen the Town’s creative economy.

● Enhances Public Spaces

○ Develops and supports public art installations, cultural programming, and creative placemaking efforts that activate parks, downtown spaces, and community gathering areas.

● Engages the Community

○ Creates opportunities for residents of all ages and backgrounds to participate in cultural experiences, events, and creative programming.

● Collaborates with Stakeholders

○ Works in partnership with municipal departments, local businesses, schools, non-profits, and cultural organizations to integrate arts and culture into broader community initiatives.

● Supports the Franklin Cultural District and the Franklin Cultural Council

○ Strengthens Franklin’s designated Cultural District as a hub for creativity, economic activity, and community engagement while supporting the work of the Franklin Cultural Council.

● Administers Funding and Grants

○ Oversees cultural grants and funding opportunities to expand access to arts programming and support local creative initiatives.

Staffing

● One (1) Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy

Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments

● Strengthen the Franklin Cultural District

○ Promoted and supported district-wide events that increased community participation and visibility.

○ Expanded partnerships with local businesses, artists, and organizations.

○ Secured additional funding and grant support for Cultural District initiatives.

○ Expanded the “A-Wreath-of-Franklin” program alongside in downtown Franklin.

● Advanced Public Art Initiatives

○ Launched in May 2025, ‘The Town of Franklin is proud to be the first municipality in the United States to implement Arts Prescriptions, an innovative initiative designed to support community well-being and combat the ongoing impacts of the opioid crisis. ‘ Through the use of opioid settlement funds, Franklin is integrating creative experiences—such as music, dance, visual arts, and theater—into substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery efforts. This pioneering program demonstrates the town’s commitment to fostering resilience and healing through the transformative power of the arts. Read on to learn more about how Franklin is leading the way in this groundbreaking approach to recovery.

■ Since the partnership on May 1, 2025, community members have been referred to Art Pharmacy, and 88% of those individuals have completed intake with a Care Navigator.

■ For those individuals who have been enrolled, arts and culture events have been scheduled to support their engagement in local, community-based opportunities to support their well-being. .

■ All community members have access to bring a companion along with them to their event to support their engagement.

■ Costs for these events for community members and their companions are covered as part of the contract.

■ Enrolled individuals are actively involved in personalized Care Navigation with Art Pharmacy’s team to support their engagement in the Art Pharmacy Program.

■ Revitalized the ‘Arts and Culture Symposium’, attracting regional tourism and integrating Pop-Up Art initiatives into Franklin’s cultural landscape

■ Strengthened the partnership with Wheaton College to expand the Franklin Sculpture Park program with new installations.

■ Launched multiple public art calls for artists including:

● MBTA train station mural, Microgalleries, The Art of Play, and other Public art stipends

■ Increased public engagement with Franklin’s public art collection through digital outreach and educational materials; partnering with the Franklin Historical Museum and the BLACK BOX Theater. Designed and distributed a youth-focused public art educational materials.

● Boosted Grant and Funding Opportunities

○ Effectively managed the $50,000 public art allocation from Senator Rebecca Rausch and administered Massachusetts Cultural Council grants to support local artists and community-based cultural projects.

○ Secured additional funding through Cultural District grants, Festival grants, and Accessibility/Disability initiatives.

○ Improved transparency and reporting on the impact of cultural grant funding.

● Fostered Community and Economic Growth Through the Creative Economy

○ Advocated for initiatives supporting artists, creative entrepreneurs, and local businesses.

○ Increased economic activity within the Franklin Cultural District through event-driven tourism and cultural programming.

○ Partnered with local businesses and organizations to integrate arts and culture into broader town initiatives.

● Positioned Franklin for Future Cultural Growth

○ Strengthened relationships with state and regional cultural organizations.

○ Laid the groundwork for expanded cultural tourism and regional programming initiatives.

○ Established formal partnerships with Massachusetts Cultural Council, Wheaton College, and regional arts councils to support collaborative programming and resource sharing.

○ Developed strategic plans and preliminary materials for expanded cultural tourism initiatives, including a Franklin Public Art Map, walking tours, and marketing for district-wide events, laying the foundation for measurable increases in visitor engagement.

○ Coordinated with local businesses and institutions to pilot new regional programming, including Pop-Up Art exhibits and collaborative festivals, to integrate Franklin into broader regional cultural networks.

FY27 Requested Budget Highlights

● Marketing

FY26: $7,000 | FY27: $12,000 → Increase: $5,000

○ Justification: Increased funding supports expanded marketing, promotional materials, and outreach for Cultural District events, festivals, and new initiatives like the Pop-Up Art projects and Franklin Cultural District Guide.

FY27 Requested Budget Summary

The FY27 requested budget for the Department of Arts, Culture, and the creative Economy is essential to sustain and expand Franklin’s cultural programming, public art initiatives, and community engagement efforts. These funds directly support district-wide events, youth arts programs, public art installations, and marketing of Franklin’s Cultural District, all of which drive local tourism, strengthen small businesses, and enhance quality of life for residents.

A reduction or cut to this budget would limit the department’s ability to maintain these programs, diminish opportunities for local artists and cultural organizations, and reduce Franklin’s visibility as a regional arts and cultural hub. Approval of the requested budget ensures continuity, growth, and meaningful cultural impact across the community.

The PDF of this section - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IvYsvulTKD_b1Arqg4FHozDeQK6jfd_7/view?usp=drive_link

For the full FY 2027 budget narrative -  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8912/FY27-Budget-Narrative-FINAL-1

The FY 2027 budget information can be found 

https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577

Finance Committee closes out 16+ hours of budget hearings with proposed adjustments (audio)

FM #1728 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1728 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee Budget Hearing, the Last of 4 sessions to go over the FY 2027 budget. The meeting was held in Council Chambers with 7 of 9 members present.

Quick recap:

• This session was time well spent by the Committee to review the potential adjustments to the budget and come to a consensus on them. They started with a set of goals and a process to work through the listing of the items for discussion based upon what had occurred over the prior three nights.

• They wanted to minimize use of free cash. The end proposal recommends $1.8M of free cash rather than $2M

• They wanted to move some of the regular recurring 'capital items' to the ops budget where they belong. They took a step in that direction with less than $100K of police gear putting that in the Ops budget. Next cycle those items won't need to come before the Capital budget as a request

• They made a strategic investment in a couple of positions. One already in the budget for a part time clerk in the Assessors office, and additional hybrid inspector/admin help for the Building Commissioner's team. This should help the assessors and inspectors to do the work they need to do while providing some additional administrative help to help the work flow and improve our permit and tax base (both revenue generators)

• They proposed reducing the Facilities expense budget

• They confirmed the need for restoration of the Deputy Town Administrator and the School Resource officers (SROs)

• They will request that the Schools look as possibly using more of their revolving funds to help balance their budget and in turn free up more free cash on the Town side to not be used for the overall budget

• The complete set of the adjustments will be written up, presented by the FinCom to the Town Council and Joint Budget Subcommittee. The line item adjustments will be made and incorporate some other updates for the Town Administrator to issue a revised budget proposal before the Council gets to finalize their vote at the June 10th meeting. It may not be ready for the May 20-21 Council budget hearings, the key item that still might be outstanding before those hearings is the FY 2027 health costs as the annual enrollment completes April 30

Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1728-finance-cmte-budget-hearing-4-04-09-26/

--------------

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/3oIsBHQ73Ts?&t=1170 

The amended agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04092026-2222 

My full set of notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NzSDXoQxk7P0ztXRKjPpcPTPrZgBNE78/view?usp=drive_link 

Dept of Arts, Culture & Creative Economy metrics as referenced by Cory Shea during the budget hearing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zQV7NQTLRSy1UnPKxad0wtW8Q-76YqOc/view?usp=drive_link

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

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!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Finance Committee closes out 16+ hours of budget hearings with proposed adjustments (video)

The Franklin Finance Committee completed a record setting set of 4 budget hearings covering every line item in the FY 2027 budget in almost 17 hours over 4 nights. 

The start of this last session was delayed by about 20 minutes to fix the Zoom link and get it reposted for the agenda, calendar, and appropriate social channels.

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/3oIsBHQ73Ts?&t=1170

The amended agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04092026-2222

My full set of notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NzSDXoQxk7P0ztXRKjPpcPTPrZgBNE78/view?usp=drive_link

Dept of Arts, Culture & Creative Economy metrics as referenced by Cory Shea during the budget hearing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zQV7NQTLRSy1UnPKxad0wtW8Q-76YqOc/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap:

• This session was time well spent by the Committee to review the potential adjustments to the budget and come to a consensus on them. They started with a set of goals and a process to work through the listing of the items for discussion based upon what had occurred over the prior three nights.
• They wanted to minimize use of free cash. The end proposal recommends 1.8M of free cash rather than $2M
• They wanted to move some of the regular recurring 'capital items' to the ops budget where they belong. They took a step in that direction with less than $100K of police gear putting that in the Ops budget. Next cycle those items won't need to come before the Capital budget as a request
• They made a strategic investment in a couple of positions. One already in the budget for a part time clerk in the Assessors office, and additional hybrid inspector/admin help for the Building Commissioner's team. This should help the assessors and inspectors to do the work they need to do while providing some additional administrative help to help the work flow and improve our permit and tax base (both revenue generators)
• They proposed reducing the Facilities expense budget
• They confirmed the need for restoration of the Deputy Town Administrator and the School Resource officers (SROs)
• They will request that the Schools look as possibly using more of their revolving funds to help balance their budget and in turn free up more free cash on the Town side to not be used for the overall budget
• The complete set of the adjustments will be written up, presented by the FinCom to the Town Council and Joint Budget Subcommittee. The line item adjustments will be made and incorporate some other updates for the Town Administrator to issue a revised budget proposal before the Council gets to finalize their vote at the June 10th meeting. It may not be ready for the May 20-21 Council budget hearings, the key item that still might be outstanding before those hearings is the FY 2027 health costs as the annual enrollment completes April 30

last view of the working doc used in the FinCom session

FinCom set up in the 3rd floor training room

Save the Date: BFCCPS multicultural night - March 26

Save the Date: BFCCPS multicultural
night - March 26

Save the date for Multicultural Night hosted by the ELPAC. 

All members of the BFCCPS community are invited and welcome to come! Tour around the world learning about different cultures.

Join us March 26th from 6-8 PM

Shared from - https://www.bfccps.org/apps/events/event.jsp?eREC_ID=5205369&d=2026-03-26

Calling all artists! The Franklin Cultural District is looking for creative minds

Calling all artists! The Franklin Cultural
District is looking for creative minds

Calling all artists! The Franklin Cultural District is looking for creative minds to design swag for summer events and help bring our Dean Bank mural to life.

Deadlines are coming up — don’t miss your chance to be part of Franklin’s vibrant cultural scene! - https://conta.cc/4cZQedB

#FranklinWelcomestheWorld

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/14ZsH9guZDq/

Call for Artists Franklin Cultural District + Dean Bank Public Art Residency

Call for Artists  Franklin Cultural District
 + Dean Bank Public Art Residency

The Franklin Cultural District, in partnership with Dean Bank and the Town of Franklin’s Department of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, is seeking artists for the inaugural Cultural District + Dean Bank Public Art Residency Program.

This residency will support the creation of an original, site-specific mural across designated exterior inlets at Dean Bank Square. One artist (or artist team) will be selected through an open call to design, install, and steward a mural that reflects Franklin’s community, creativity, and evolving cultural identity.

Apply - https://form.jotform.com/260204514157145

Call for Artists, Cultural District Guide DEADLINE MARCH 1, 2026

Franklin Welcomes the World

Call for Artists, Cultural District Guide 
DEADLINE MARCH 1, 2026

For Summer 2026, the Cultural District will be printing more copies than ever before and distributing them widely through:

• Hotels and lodging partners
• Restaurants, cafes, and retail businesses
• Public spaces and community hubs
• Regional visitor centers and partner organizations

The guides will highlight arts, culture, dining, small businesses, public spaces, and seasonal events, positioning Franklin as both a destination and a community—not just a place people pass through.

Being featured means your work will be:

• Seen by thousands of visitors and residents
• Part of a cohesive, professionally produced marketing effort
• Directly supporting Franklin’s creative economy and local businesses

These guides are designed to reflect the real character of Franklin, told through the voices and visuals of the people who know it best—our artists, writers, and creatives.

Who Can Apply

This call is open to creatives with a Franklin connection, including those who:

• Live or work in Franklin
• Grew up here or studied here
• Create here regularly
• Have personal or professional ties to the community

Timeline

Submission Deadline: March 1, 2026

Guide Release: May 2026

How to Submit

Email the following to Cory Shea, Director of Arts, Culture & the Creative Economy, at cshea@franklinma.gov with the subject line: "FCD Creative Submission"

Please include:

• Visual artists: 3–5 work samples (JPEG or PDF)
• Writers: 1–2 written pieces (under 250 words each)
• A short bio or artist statement (whichever best fits your work)
• A brief note on your Franklin connection

Franklin Welcomes The World - June 25 & June 26

The Town of Franklin will host two days of festivities celebrating the international soccer games playing at neighboring Gillette Stadium. These events will take place on June 25 and June 26 on the Franklin Town Common and at one of our community partner locations, Haywood Manor.

The festivities will include live streamed games on a large screen; enabling viewing from the Town Common and the Haywood lawn; as well as community vendors, food trucks and live music. These free, community-centered days are designed to create a welcoming, festive atmosphere for residents and visitors while supporting downtown activity and cultural tourism.

Programming is also part of the broader ‘Franklin Welcomes the World’ marketing campaign, reinforcing Franklin’s role as a regional gathering place during a global event.

Viewing party & Community Engagement Primary Location:

Franklin Town Common & Hayward Manor

LED screen viewing area with open lawn seating at Haywood Manor; will host outdoor viewing, including a beer garden component (pending licensing and approvals).

Watch Party/Festivity Timeline: 3-9pm June 25th+26th Streamed games:

Thursday, June 25

•   4pm Ecuador v Germany
•   7pm Tunisia v Netherlands
•   10pm USA - Go watch elsewhere!   

Friday, June 26

•   3pm Norway v France
•   8pm Uruguay v Spain

Community Engagement Elements | Vendors & Community Partners

Presented on the Town Common and Haywood Manor. Note that the beer garden is at Haywood Manor only, and no alcohol is permitted on the Town Common.

• Live music performances before and/or after matches
• Community Partners/Vendors on the Town Common
• Food trucks
• Wayfinding and signage connecting the Common, downtown, and partner locations + ‘Franklin Welcomes the World’ marketing campaign

Estimated Attendance

Projected total attendance: 1,000–1,500 visitors over two days, Audience includes: Franklin residents, Regional visitors attending Gillette matches,

Families, young adults, and soccer fans.

Call for artists/muralists for the inaugural Cultural District + Dean Bank Public Art Residency Program

Call for artists/muralists for the inaugural
Cultural District + Dean Bank
Public Art Residency Program

NEW Call for Artist Opportunities, cultural weekend plans, and a call for engagement!

Franklin Cultural District + Dean Bank Public Art Residency

Click here for the application process.

The Franklin Cultural District, in partnership with Dean Bank and the Town of Franklin’s Department of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, is seeking artists for the inaugural Cultural District + Dean Bank Public Art Residency Program.

This residency will support the creation of an original, site-specific mural across designated exterior inlets at Dean Bank Square. One artist (or artist team) will be selected through an open call to design, install, and steward a mural that reflects Franklin’s community, creativity, and evolving cultural identity.

Program Overview

The Dean Bank Mural Residency Program is a community-centered public art initiative that blends artistic excellence with civic engagement. The selected artist will collaborate with Town staff, Dean Bank representatives, and community members throughout the design and installation process.

Murals will remain on view for approximately 3–5 years, after which new artists will be invited to contribute to the site. This rotating residency model ensures the artwork remains fresh and responsive to the community, while creating ongoing opportunities for artists to share their work in downtown Franklin. The mural will be installed on Depot Street in the three brick inlets facing the Cultural District.

Check out this week's Cultural District Eblast -> https://conta.cc/49H5pGo

Town of Franklin issues call for artists (visual and written word) to submit by March 1

Town of Franklin issues call for artists (visual and written word) to submit by March 1, 2026

Check out this week's blast where we're listing our newest, #callforArtists!

Sign up in the links in our profile, or visit the link suggested below: https://conta.cc/4bu5aja

Electric Youth, cabaret, and Benjamin Franklin's birthday celebrations on the horizon

January 3 … Electric Youth 2026 and the Boston Show Band Debut Concert, THE BLACK BOX. 7:30 pm Select link for ticketing and performance information. 15. West Central Street. 

Electric Youth, cabaret, and Benjamin Franklin's
birthday celebrations on the horizon

January 9 … Franklin Performing Arts Company presents A Starry Night: A Cabaret featuring singers from the stages of Boston, Providence, and beyond. 8:00 pm. THE BLACK BOX. Select link for ticketing and performance information. 15 West Central St. 

January 10 … Vera Meyer on the Glass Armonica - Concert. Community concert by musician Vera Meyer on the instrument invented by B. Franklin at the Franklin United Methodist Church. 1:00 pm. United Methodist Church is located at 82 West Central St. FREE. (per Franklin Historical Museum flyer)

January 10 … The Franklin Stove: An Unintended American Revolution at Franklin Public Library. As part of the town’s annual Ben Franklin Month, Harvard Professor Joyce Chaplin will be at the Franklin Public Library to discuss her new book, “The Franklin Stove: An Unintended American Revolution.” 4:00 pm Select Link for additional information. FREE. 118 Main Street.

Arts Happen Here!

A Wreath of Franklin is here today - Saturday, Dec 13 from 11 AM to 4 PM

A PDF version of the email with all the details is here for you to view or print out.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hI52-2WvxUjfe1UEW4wSkVLxipyMzQt8/view?usp=drive_link

For additional details, please visit the event page ->

https://franklinartsculture.my.canva.site/wreath25-program-site

A Wreath of Franklin is here today - Saturday, Dec 13 from 11 AM to 4 PM

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, November 24, 2025 ???

Monday, November 24

What's happening in Franklin, MA ??

• No scheduled trash/recycle curbside pick up delay

6:30pm FHS Unified benefit game for KyleCares (FHS Gymnasium)

What's happening in Franklin, MA

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  Town Meetings today   **

Cultural District Committee Meeting

Monday, November 24 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7738/CDC-Agenda_Meeting_-Nov2025docx?bidId= 

Franklin Agricultural Committee

Monday, November 24 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Agricultural-Commission-13/?#_11242025-2018 

Franklin Cultural Council

Monday, November 24 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Cultural-Council-26/?#_11242025-2022 

Library Board of Directors Regular meeting

Monday, November 24 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Library-Board-of-Directors-20/?#_11242025-2024 

Recreation Advisory Board

Monday, November 24 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11242025-2017 

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Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar