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

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 

-----------

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, September 11, 2025 ??

Library & Senior Center events

Thursday, September 11

** Music Boosters Fundraiser @Chipotle (Chipotle Mexican Grill)   **

7:00pm Cultural District Committee Meeting (Franklin Historical Museum)

9:00pm Eddie J. (live music) (3 Restaurant)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->        

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

**  Town Meetings today   **

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public

Thursday, September 11 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09112025-1898 

Cultural District Committee Meeting

Thursday, September 11 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6885/FY26_September_District_Com?bidId=

ZBA Meeting (no meeting)

Thursday, September 11 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09112025-1884 

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA

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

Franklin Farmers' Market Is hitting its Fall stride!

Be sure to stop by the Franklin Town Common to pick up fresh produce, local goods, and handmade items while supporting our community’s farmers and makers.

Franklin Farmers' Market Is hitting its Fall stride! 

With only 7-weeks left of the Farmers Market - (don’t be sad—the fun isn’t over yet)! 

Our A-Wreath-of-Franklin program pops up this December, giving you another chance to see many of your favorite vendors before the year ends.

Franklin Farmers Market 2025 Season Hours are 2-6 PM with live music starting at 3 PM. See the full schedule below!

Sept 19, 2025 = 3-6 PM Jamie Barrett 

Sponsored by Franklin Cultural Council and Mass Cultural Council [+ Franklin Art Association Pop-Up Exhibition as part of the Arts & Culture Symposium Programming]!

Sept 26, 2025 = 3-6 PM Heath Nisbett

Sponsored by Franklin Cultural Council and Mass Cultural Council

Oct 3, 2025 = 3-6 PM Tom Abbott

Sponsored by Franklin Cultural Council and Mass Cultural Council 

Oct 10, 2025 3-6 PM Dom DeBaggis

Sponsored by Franklin Cultural Council and Mass Cultural Council. 

4 PM The Great Pumpkin Contest, Sponsored by Franklin Agricultural Comm.  

Oct 17, 2025 = 3-6 PM Corey McLane

Sponsored by Franklin Cultural Council and Mass Cultural Council 

Oct 24, 2025 [Last Market of the Season] = 3-6 PM Music by Sioo

Sponsored by Franklin Cultural Council and Mass Cultural Council

"A Wreath of Franklin" scheduled to return Dec 13, 2025

That’s right—planning is already underway for this year’s winter arts and culture favorite, A-Wreath-of-Franklin! Join us this December as we celebrate seasonal festivities and community cheer. Details below…

The second annual “A-Wreath-of-Franklin” Festival promises to be bigger, happier and more celebratory than ever! 

"A Wreath of Franklin" scheduled to return Dec 13, 2025

With the theme “Franklin Welcomes the World” we do hint at soccer fans from across the globe visiting Franklin in 2026 but, we hope the theme means more than that. 

As America prepares to celebrate our 250th in 2026, we celebrate how Franklin is a community of immigrants from Europe, Asia, South America, North America, Africa and Australia from countries too numerous to list,”.

Plan to participate by decorating your wreath celebrating the theme “Franklin Welcomes the World.” 

Mark your calendars; Saturday, December 13th! There will be singing, dancing, art, crafts, special food items, holiday inspired beverages for all ages and of course festive wreaths decorated by Franklinites and our friends. The Franklin community gathering in festive holiday spirit will create holiday FUN for everyone." John Ristaino, Franklin Cultural Council Chair

To stay looped into Franklin Welcoming the World - check out our website here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/1177/Franklin-Welcomes-the-World.

Want to get more involved with A-Wreath-of-Franklin? You don't need to be on an official town committee or council to volunteer for this initiative! Please email Director of Arts, Culture and the creative Economy, Cory Shea (cshea@franklinma.gov).

Sign up for the Cultural Newsletter -> https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/72ozdo7

Franklin Cultural District Guide available for download

NEW Cultural District Guide | 

Your art. Your words. Your Franklin. Be part of the story

Franklin Cultural District Guide

You might have seen these floating around at Franklin Porchfest and the recent Strawberry Stroll - We're excited to introduce the Franklin Cultural District Guide — your go-to resource for discovering the heart of arts, culture, and community in downtown Franklin! Inside, you'll find local landmarks, public art, creative businesses, and cultural experiences that make our district unique. Guides will be created twice a year, next up is our Fall/Winter issue!

Franklin Cultural District Guide 2

Whether you're a resident or visitor, the guide helps you explore all the ways Franklin celebrates creativity. View or download your copy today and start exploring! 

Click here to see the digital version ->   https://www.franklinculture.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif596/f/uploads/franklin_cultural_district_springsummer_vol1.pdf 

Pick up printed copies at the Franklin Municipal building, Franklin Public Library, Senior Center and other downtown Franklin locations!

We want to feature YOU!

Susan Pratt Sheridan

We're looking for original work that reflects the heart of Franklin—its creativity, its culture, and the people who make it special. Whether you live here, work here, create here, or simply feel connected to this community, we want to hear from you. Interested in being the next featured artist? 

Deadline for consideration is August 1st - click here for more details! ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/1107/Call-for-Visual-Artists

Congrats to Susan Pratt Sheridan for being our FIRST featured artist!

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

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."

“Wild About Franklin” has been added to the Town Common (video)

Dear Franklin,

“Wild About Franklin” is finished and ready for you and your littles to enjoy. Under the theme “Nature and Community”, I created a scene from DelCarte celebrating one of Franklin’s most precious gems. 

A moth and butterflies are nestled amongst native wildflowers against the pond’s backdrop. If you look closely, you might notice that something is missing. I purposefully left out the bodies of the insects as an invitation for you and your littles to complete the scene. 

Step against the box and interact with this - it’s meant for you to become a part of the landscape!

Thank you to all the passersby that came to say hello; the dog walkers, the runners, the many kiddos who joined me in painting, dear friends who stopped by for moral support bearing iced coffees and words of encouragement, and to Stan Watson for being my biggest cheerleader and for keeping everyone updated on my progress. 

Thank you to the Cultural District, Cory Shea (@franklinculture), and to Senator Rausch (@beccarausch4ma ) for funding this project and for creating such amazing artistic opportunities in our town. And last but never least a big thank you to my husband and parents for holding down the Nisbet household so that I could do this. 

I’m not sure if you can dedicate an electrical box but why not? This mural is for all the kiddos in town, but especially for my three; Henry, Lucy and Jack. It’s all for you. 

I can’t wait to see how you interact with this mural. Please tag me and share your pictures with @kaylajeancreative! 

Stay Wild, Franklin ✌🏻

Kayla Nisbet

Kayla Jean Creative

www.kaylajeancreative.com

Shared from (with Kayla's permission) -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FP2igJ6ik/

-----------

Additional photos of the progress of re-creation of this Artsy Box on the Town Common ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/7Z2mqqAVdZXAcApG7

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, June 5, 2025 ???

Library & Senior Center events

Thursday, June 5

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

6:00pm RMS Concert (Horace Mann School)

7:00pm 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:30pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

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

**  Town Meetings today   **

Cultural District Committee June Meeting

Thursday, June 5 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5813/CDC-Agenda_Meeting_june_2025docx?bidId= 

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting

Thursday, June 5 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06052025-1744 

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

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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