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

WBZ NewsRadio reports on the Franklin/Dean Station ribbon cutting Monday (audio)

(WBZ NewsRadio) — The MBTA unveiled new upgrades Monday at its Franklin Station it says will improve accessibility.

The upgrades include the completed construction of a mini-high platform which provides stair-free, level boarding for all passengers, including those with disabilities as well as those using strollers and luggage with rollers.

Franklin's Commission on Disability Chairperson Alison Rheaume said the upgrades are game changers. "So many residents in this very neighborhood were told to just go to another station," she said. "However, for those navigating disability, nothing is ever just that easy."

Now, Rheaume said better access to the station is improving people's lives. "There's one lady who lives just down the street, and for the first time, she was able to go into the city independently."

Along with upgraded station accessibility, artist Kayla Jean Nisbet was commissioned to create a mural on the station wall of a vacant coffee shop.

She said not only does the painting bring new life to the empty store front, it also celebrates the town's history. "As the story goes, the donation of 116 books that Benjamin Franklin gave to our town went on to establish America's first public library."

Town officials said they are hoping the upgrades will also attract a new tenant to the building.

WBZ NewsRadio's Jared Brosnan (@JaredBrosnanWBZ) reports

Audio link (audio embedded below)  ->  https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/upgrades-improve-mbtas-franklin-station-accessibility/

Franklin Matters photo album (left off the initial post on Tuesday) Photo album of the ribbon cutting in the rain -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/F7jWAnmrb3fnHm5UA

Ribbon cutting at Franklin/Dean station acknowledges handicap ramp & new mural (photo album)

In the downpour on Monday morning, multiple local officials and supporters braved the rain to participate.

Photo album of the ribbon cutting in the rain -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/F7jWAnmrb3fnHm5UA

Photo album of the Station mural -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/CwEybFxRWgA4h5Ac7

And the ribbon got cut !!!

Insights on the forthcoming Train station mural

via https://www.instagram.com/kaylajeannisbet/

"Normally I share a project with you after it’s done and wrapped with a bow but since the exciting word is out thanks to the @franklinmatters.ma podcast, this time, I’m sharing backwards. Or rather starting from the beginning. In 1778 to be exact!

I’m honored to have been asked to design a mural for the Dean College/Franklin T station. The mural will celebrate the historical charm and history of our town. I promise to put my fun + simple spin on it, and always with a touch of whimsy! On this journey with me are members from the @franklin_art_association, @franklinculturalcouncil02038, Franklin Cultural District, and Franklin High School. Here are some sneak peeks as we begin the long process of applying to the MBTA for mural permissions. 

A huge thank you to @beccarausch4ma for awarding Franklin an extremely generous grant for Public Art and for Cory Shea @franklinculture for asking me to lead this project. This project wouldn’t be possible without both of these amazing ladies, or without the help of Dr. Robert Lawson, Dean College History Professor and our town Archivist, Rowan Lowell who have helped me extensively research Franklin’s rich history. 

So proud of what has been accomplished already and I can’t wait to paint this with the team in the Spring. Listen to the Franklin Matters podcast on the link in bio for more info!"

Podcast link ->  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Talk-Franklin--A-Podcast-from-the-Town-Administrators-Office---October-24--2024-e2qcr9o/a-abjusse

Full posting ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/talking-franklin-arts-culture-economic.html

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DB1DRriREEs/

Are you an artist looking to do a mural? The Town of Franklin is interested

We’re looking for mural artists for upcoming projects with experience in the following:

- Large scale exterior painting and design principles

- Precision in text/typography 

- Time management and group collaborating 

- Familiarity with surface preparation, application and longevity to ensure design.  

For more information visit our website under, ‘Public Art,’ or visit the link ->   https://www.franklinculture.org/call-artistsmural-project

All interest parties should Email the Town of Franklin’s Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Cory Shea | cshea@franklinma.gov

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/call-artistsmural-project

Are you an artist looking to do a mural? The Town of Franklin is interested

Franklin Downtown Partnership coordinates the "Count on me" Challenge

visit the butterfly mural

"The Franklin Downtown Partnership, in collaboration with @escape_into_fiction and @birchwoodbakeryandkitchen and local artist Amy Adams (@paintingvenus_ ) bring to you a fun, interactive contest!! 

Simply visit the butterfly mural across from Birchwood Bakery, count the butterflies and submit your answer as to how many you see for your chance to win a warm drink and a book!  

The perfect cozy combo for the cooler days to come!  

Entries due by 11/22!"

Shared from -> 

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02m1pWXZHxwpqDLyeDhtL93RKWQczzrMyxUndMj8LR3i8FQgMW5Zaue3jiYjZKBpdtl&id=100071168539757

Franklin Downtown Partnership coordinates the "Count on me" Challenge

Franklin Downtown Partnership: New Murals, General Meeting, and Harvest Festival Registration

New Murals Added in Downtown Franklin The Franklin Downtown Partnership is proud to present another mural project in downtown Franklin. Thank you to these wonderful artists for donating their time and creative talent to make this beautification project a reality: Amy Adams Kelly Feeherry Sue Sheridan Special thanks to the Ferrara Family and the Franklin Cultural District Committee for helping to fund this project along withe the Franklin Downtown Partnership. "This project has been in the works for many months and we are so excited for residents to have another fun reason to visit downtown Franklin," said FDP Executive Director Lisa Piana. "The murals are another addition to the Ladybug Trail that the FDP unveiled in 2022." Save the Date The next FDP General Meeting will be held on Thurs., Sept. 7 at 8:30 a.m. Guest speakers will include Brad Chaffee from Camford Property Group who will present his new downtown project. Harvest Festival Registration If you want your businesses to have a presence at the Harvest Festival, register for a booth asap. We expect space to sell out! Register Here  If you have any questions, please contact our Vendor Relations Coordinators at fdpevent@gmail.com. Franklin Downtown Partnership • 774-571-3109 • FranklinDowntownPartnership.org

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Franklin Downtown Partnership announces new murals downtown

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is proud to present our latest outdoor mural install, featuring @franklin_art_association artists @paintingvenus_ @tesno.studio and @sueprattsheridan These interactive murals add color, vibrancy, and artistic vision to our downtown Main Street area. 

The new murals are located across @birchwoodbakeryandkitchen. We encourage all our Franklin residents to stop by and take a selfie with the murals and tag us! Use hashtag #franklinart 

Special thanks to @signs_by_cam for his intricate work in installing these works of art, The Franklin Cultural District Committee for providing funding, and The Ferrara Family for funding the install and to these talented artists for their craft and time.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvpbwbiMzlZ/

Franklin Downtown Partnership announces new murals downtown

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Franklin Downtown Partnership (@franklindowntownpartnership)

FHS National Art Honors Society paints "Celebrate the Love"

"The National Art Honors Society painted a mural this afternoon called "Celebrate the Love." 

Thank you to all the members who helped and to the societies leaders who organized this event with Mrs. Edson. 

#nahs #naea #love #celebratelove @HonorsArt" https://t.co/1IuShjztvQ

FHS National Art honors society students painting a new mural in the hallway

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnsonb_ms/status/1489397672729616384