Town of Franklin Applies for Cultural District Status to the State of Massachusetts

Contact: Philip Regan, Franklin Cultural District Chair

  ​John LoPresti, Franklin Cultural District Vice Chair

Email: CulturalDistrict@FranklinMA.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TOWN OF FRANKLIN APPLIES FOR CULTURAL DISTRICT STATUS TO THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS

Franklin, MA (June 15, 2018): Thanks to a multi-year effort by the Town of Franklin and a group of its citizens, an official application to establish a Franklin Cultural District was submitted to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through the offices of the Massachusetts Cultural Council on June 8, 2018. The Franklin Cultural District (FCD) will be a demarcated region within the townthat encompasses the cultural facilities, activities, and assets that lie in a compact, walkable area. Franklin’s vibrant cultural atmosphere is already home to the nation’s first public library, the Franklin Historical Museum, Dean College School of the Arts, over 25 other performing and visual arts and dance studios, and a variety of restaurants and cafes.  Establishment of the FCD will likely attract additional arts and cultural organizations in the future, driving economic development.

Cultural District status will make the FCD eligible for a variety of state grant programs, state economic development opportunities and monies, strategic planning and historic preservation assistance, and marketing through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.

"Arts and Culture have become an extremely important and vibrant economic engine for the Town of Franklin," says Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.  "Designating the Town as an official Cultural District will only enhance those opportunities and establish Franklin as the premier arts and cultural hub in the southern MetroWest region.”

This effort has been years in the planning, beginning with the Franklin Cultural District Steering Committee, who were tasked with gauging interest in the project and starting the organizational efforts necessary to begin the application process. The Steering Committee met with potential partners, the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), and Town of Franklin administrators to determine the needs, geographic area and types of businesses to be included, and the roles and responsibilities of the District itself. That Committee went on to create the Franklin Cultural Festival, which ran for three years and created a strong basis amongst the partners and evidence for the State of the vigor of the arts and culture community in Franklin. A preliminary site visit with the MCC and the Town resulted in a decision to move forward with the formal cultural district application.

On June 28, 2017, the Franklin Town Council passed Resolution 17-45, which endorsed the FCD’s cultural district goals, namely to “attract artists and cultural enterprises; encourage business and job development; establish the district as a tourist destination; preserve and reuse historic buildings; enhance property values; and foster local cultural development.”  

In November 2017, seven Franklin residents were appointed to the Franklin Cultural District Committee, an official Town committee which took over for the initial Steering Committee, to make the formal application to the State and then oversee the new district.  Part of the application included letters of endorsement and intent from the many cultural assets in town, establishing them as official partners of the District, including the Franklin Public Schools, Dean College, Franklin Downtown Partnership, the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, Franklin Performing Arts Company/THE BLACK BOX, the Franklin Historical Museum, the Franklin Art Association, the Franklin Cultural Council, and many more. Some of the partners were involved in the FCD initiative from the very beginning, others, such as Drummer’s Studio, Encore Music Academy and Feet in Motion School of Dance, have signed on more recently as the momentum for establishment of the District increased. 

During the first quarter of 2018, the Franklin Cultural District’s Goals were refined during Cultural District Committee public meetings.  These Goals combine the aims for the State's cultural districts, existing planning initiatives (including Franklin’s 2013 Master Plan cultural resources goals and objectives), and input from Committee partners. The FCD partners will meet with the Committee quarterly, starting June 19, to discuss marketing, cross-promotional events between the partners, and ways to enhance the District. An FCD website, complete with a local arts calendar, is being established to provide a single source of arts and cultural information for town residents and visitors.

The application filed on June 8, 2018, included narrative on the FCD's goals, marketing plans, partners, cultural assets, and State-required metrics to measure the FCD's impact, as well as the official FCD map. In addition, hundreds of pages of supplemental materials were submitted showing examples of arts and cultural events and programming within the proposed District.Once the MCC has reviewed the application, a site visit will be scheduled with the Town, the FCD committee and the FCD partners. Only then will the State render a verdict on the application.

To learn more about the Franklin Cultural District, their partners, and upcoming activities and events, visit their website at www.franklinculturaldistrict.org, or follow them on Facebook(www.facebook.com/FranklinCultureMA), Twitter (@FranklinCulture), and Instagram(@franklinculture).

Franklin Art Association’s Annual Spring Art Show and Sale - Apr 21-22

The Franklin Art Association will hold its Annual Spring Show and Sale “Art from the Heart” on Saturday, April 21, 2018, from 1PM to 8 PM and on Sunday, April 22, 2018, from 12 noon to 4 PM at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin.

A reception held on Saturday, from 4 PM to 7 PM will include entertainment by the Padula Brothers Jazz Band.

The FAA’s Annual Spring Show and Sale includes works in oil, acrylic, water media, photography, pastel, charcoal, mixed media, calligraphy and drawing. In addition to the exhibited works, small works and unframed art will be available for purchase.

The exhibit is juried and there will be first, second, third and honorable mention ribbons awarded in each category. In addition, there will be a Best of Show award and attendees may vote for a “People’s Choice” award.

For more information about the FAA, go to www.franklinart.org

Franklin Art Association’s Annual Spring Art Show and Sale - Apr 21-22

ArtWeek: Worcester Chamber Music Society - Multi-media Concert - May 6

The Worcester Chamber Music Society will be coming to Franklin for a unique multi-media concert on May 6 as part of ArtWeek. In conjunction with the Franklin Public Schools, the Art + Music Family Concert will offer music of Mozart, Debussy, Haydn, and Ginastera at the Franklin High School auditorium from 3:00 - 4:30pm. 

Artwork inspired by the pieces and created by Franklin's elementary school students will be projected above the musicians' heads in a presentation timed to the music. In addition, Jacob Hoover and Katherine Bickford, who dance professionally with the Festival Ballet Providence, will perform, and children in the audience will have an opportunity to create art real-time. 

After the concert, there will be a Meet & Greet with the musicians, giving audience members a chance to see the instruments up close and speak to the people who play them.

"ArtWeek is a great opportunity for people to experience the arts in new and engaging ways, and we are excited to come to Franklin!" says Worcester Chamber Music Society Executive Director Tracy Kraus.

Thanks to sponsorship by the MetroWest Visitors Bureau, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, Dean Bank, Middlesex Savings Bank and the Franklin Cultural Council, tickets are being offered at a greatly reduced ticket price of $10/adults, $7/seniors and students, and all children 17 and under free with a paying adult. 

Tickets can be purchased at: www.worcesterchambermusic.org/franklin-family-concert.

The program will include Mozart's Flute Quartet in D Major, Allegro; Debussy's Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp, Interlude; Haydn's Piano Trio in A Major, Allegro; and Ginastera's Impresiones de la Puna (complete).

About the Franklin Cultural Council —

The mission of the Franklin Cultural Council (FCC) is to encourage participation and enhance opportunities for enrichment in the cultural arts and sciences throughout our community. Comprised of committed residents, the FCC meets monthly with the purpose of supporting events and programs through grants from the Town of Franklin, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

ArtWeek: Worcester Chamber Music Society - Multi-media Concert - May 6

LiveARTS presents Keisuke Wakao - Apr 8

LiveARTS presents Keisuke Wakao, Oboist with the Boston Symphony, on Apr 8. Mr Wakao will be performing with Kazusa Mizutani, bassoon, Etsuko Hirose, piano, and Keila Wakao, violin.

Program: Previn, Bruch, Lalliet, Sarasate, Suk, Piazzolla

$20 Adults
$15 Seniors
Students under 18 free


All Concerts on Sundays, 3:00 pm (NEW TIME!) at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA

Doors open at 2:30 pm. Open Seating. 
Handicapped accessible

LiveARTS presents Keisuke Wakao - Apr 8

For more information about LiveARTS, visit them on the web at
http://www.liveartsma.org/

Franklin Historical Museum: Joe Landry on "Franklin Schools" - April 8

The SECOND SUNDAY SPEAKER SERIES continues on April 8 with the return of Joe Landry. Joe’s topic this month is Franklin Schools. 

He’ll be discussing the various schools that have come and gone in Franklin over the years. The Nason Street School, the Arlington Street School, Four Corners, the Red Brick School, Parmenter, St. Mary’s School and many more.

• Do you know how many High Schools Franklin has built? 
• How much do you know about Franklin born Horace Mann, known as the Father of Education? 
• Do you have a favorite teacher from your school years? 

Joe will discuss some of the many educators and teachers that have served in the Franklin schools over the years. Join us for this look back, Sunday April 8 at 1:15PM

Franklin Historical Museum: Joe Landry on "Franklin Schools" - April 8

THE BLACK BOX Sets The Stage For Culinary Cabaret Food And Wine Event - Apr 6

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents Culinary Cabaret 2018 on Friday, April 6, from 7-10 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, in downtown Franklin. The 7th annual food and wine event showcases the culinary and performing arts, featuring creative dishes and gourmet specialties. The evening also includes a culinary-themed silent auction and entertainment by FPAC special guest artists and the international touring ensemble Electric Youth.

FPAC is pleased to partner with exceptional area chefs and restaurants to present an innovative evening of inspired cuisine. Savor fine wines, craft beer, and delicious appetizers, desserts, and dishes from Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, Tavolino, Whole Foods Market, Genji, J&L Catering, The Cake Bar, The Curry House, Organic Buzz, The Gavel, Rhapsody’s Victorian Coffee House, Teddy Gallagher’s, Intermission, David’s Tea and more. Pour Richard’s Wine & Spirits will present representatives from vineyards and distributors, who will pour wine tastings to compliment the chef-prepared specialties. Reflecting Pour Richard’s “Never Drink Ordinary” motto, beverages will feature small producers, high quality, and eclectic selection.

Tickets for Culinary Cabaret are $75 and are fully inclusive of the evening’s food, wine, beer, and entertainment. Event proceeds support Electric Youth’s 2018 European concert tour, featuring a July 4th performance for U.S. troops at Aviano Air Force Base. For more information, visit www.FPAConline.com. Tickets may be purchased online at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by phone at 508-528-3370.

Sonya Rae Taylor Headines Black Box Blues Concert - March 31

BLACK BOX Blues presents singer/songwriter/guitarist Sonya Rae Taylor on Saturday, March 31 at 8 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX theater, music, and event venue in downtown Franklin.

Part of the new breed of blues and soul musicians, Sonya Rae Taylor is always searching for new ways to revitalize the form. A triple threat, Sonya is a fiery guitar slinger, soulful blues belter, and a songwriter of depth and craft beyond her years. Joined by her husband, Ryan Taylor, the powerful guitar duo has logged many miles in their young careers, from Boston to Austin then Nashville, where Sonya was signed by BMG Chrysalis. 

The couple has made TV appearances on shows such as the ABC series, Nashville, and has worked with or shared the stage with artists ranging from Tameca Jones, Gary Clark, Jr., John Popper of Blues Traveler, John Medeski, and Derrico Watson of the Victor Wooten Band. 

Tickets are $20. A cash bar is available. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370. The home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company, THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street.

For more about Sonya Rae and samples of her music
https://www.sonyaraetaylor.com/

Sonya Rae Taylor Headines Black Box Blues Concert - March 31

Broadway In Franklin - Mar 25

The magic of 42nd Street comes to Boston's MetroWest suburbs as Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents Broadway In Franklin, featuring guest artists Tyrick Wiltez Jones and Nikki Snelson in a cabaret-style revue of show-stopping numbers from the Great White Way. 

Nikki Snelson

The Broadway stars will headline a special performance at 3 p.m. this Sunday, March 25, at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s theater, music, and event venue, located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. The show also features appearances by musical theater students from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts.

Nikki Snelson originated the role of Brooke Wyndham in the 2007 original Broadway production of Legally Blonde: The Musical. Other Broadway credits include Annie Get Your Gun (starring opposite Bernadette Peters) and Sweet Charity. National tours include Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Hello Dolly (starring Carol Channing), Showboat and tick, tick…BOOM! 

Tyrick Wiltez Jones

Tyrick Wiltez Jones was recently seen as Gary in the world-premiere Broadway preview of Johnny Manhattan. Additional Broadway credits include Finian’s Rainbow and Hairspray. National tours include Miss Saigon, Seussical, Fosse and Showboat.

Tickets are $25 (adults) and $22 (students/seniors). Proceeds from Broadway In Franklin support Electric Youth’s 2018 European summer concert tour and mission to give back through musical performance, education and ambassadorship. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

Franklin Artist to be featured at Mansfield Gallery - Apr 14 to May 12

Franklin resident, Sue Pratt Sheridan will be the featured artist in a solo exhibition from April 14 until May 12 at the Next Door Gallery at Happy Hollow Frame Shop, 250 North Main Street in Mansfield.

The opening reception, free and open to the public, will take place on Saturday, April 14th, 2018 from 7 - 9 PM. For more information, call 508-339-1234 or visit the gallery’s Facebook page at The Happy Hollow Frame Shop & Next Door Gallery.

For over 25 years, Pratt Sheridan has painted in a variety of media; the show will include landscapes, seascapes, city scenes and figures. Much of her work depicts the natural beauty of New England as well as scenes from her paintings excursions in Europe.

Pratt Sheridan’s award-winning work has been featured in many local and regional shows and galleries. She holds a Signature Artist designation from the Rhode Island Watercolor Society.

In addition to her painting, Pratt Sheridan has been an active member in many area arts organizations. She has also been a strong arts advocate with service on the Franklin Cultural District Steering Committee and the Franklin Cultural Council.

Regarding this art show Pratt Sheridan states “I’m honored to be having a solo show of my work at this fine gallery. I hope people will take a break from their everyday routines, come on down to the gallery, and enjoy some beautiful views!” 

Franklin Artist to be featured at Mansfield Gallery

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series ~ Yookeroo - Mar 24

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series features Yookeroo on Saturday, March 24, 8 PM.

A progressive rock quartet based in Massachusetts, Yookeroo has played across the northeast and recently released their first full-length album "Into the Æther." 

They signed with Green Line Records (Boston) in December 2017. 

Yookeroo consists of Gabe Rudd (Keyboard) Desmond Cornetta (Guitar/Vocals), Michael Agnello (Bass/Vocals,) and Sam Pinkowitz (Drums).

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series ~ Yookeroo - Mar 24

Tickets can be purchased online
https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1101

Livingston Taylor is performing at OCC Coffeehouse Friday, Apr 6

Livingston Taylor is performing at OCC Coffeehouse in Wrentham on Friday, April 6 to celebrate his 51st year making music and in support of his new release, "Safe Home".

OCC Coffeehouse

1 East Street,
Wrentham, MA 02093
Friday, April 6th

Info & Tickets can be purchased online https://www.musicatocc.org/upcoming-shows.html

Safe Home is the new album from the Boston's venerated songwriter, Livingston Taylor. The release was recorded with a single microphone, the band appears right before you with this spacious, lush and multi-dimensional recording. Liv was supported by a world class band of Shelly Berg (piano), David Finck (bass), Bashiri Johnson (percussion), and Chelsea Berry (vocals), the album gives playful bend to musical classics like "Anything You Can Do", and also presents Livingston originals such as "I Must Be Doing Something Right".

Livingston Taylor’s career as a professional musician has spanned 51 years. He maintains a performance schedule of more than a hundred shows a year, delighting audiences with his unique brand of popular music which includes mostly original repertory from his thirteen albums. In addition to his performance schedule, Livingston is a full professor at Berklee College of Music, passing on the extensive knowledge gained from his long career on the road to the next generation of musicians.

Livingston Taylor is performing at OCC Coffeehouse Friday, Apr 6

Electric Youth 2018 at THE BLACK BOX - Mar 23

Electric Youth 2018 returns to THE BLACK BOX on Friday, March 23 at 7:30 PM, offering family entertainment with music for all ages! 

Backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, EY delivers high-energy music, including contemporary pop, classic rock, Broadway and country hits. 

The EY show at THE BLACK BOX will feature fully choreographed performances of Bruno Mars, Elvis, Duffy, Billy Gillman, Jim Croce, Stevie Wonder and more.
 
With Special Guest Future Shock!

Electric Youth 2018 - Mar 23

Tickets can be purchased online  https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1087

FPAC’S Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Plays Three Final Shows This Weekend

Franklin Performing Arts Company’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat concludes its six-show run this weekend at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. Remaining show times are Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17 at 7:30, as well as Sunday, March 18 at 2:00. The hit family musical is a colorful and uplifting show for audiences of all ages.

Based on the biblical Joseph story, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat follows the trials and triumphs of Jacob’s favorite son in a high-adventure retelling of epic proportions. The lively Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical is entirely sung-through and boasts catchy songs of many musical styles, from country western and calypso to pop, disco, and rock ’n’ roll. Musical Director Hallie Wetzell leads the production’s professional orchestra.

Andrew Scott Holmes

Andrew Scott Holmes returns to the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) stage to star in the title role, after almost two years at sea working for Princess Cruises as a Resident Guest Entertainer. An Actor’s Equity Association member, he has played leading roles and understudied Broadway stars at regional theaters, from Goodspeed Opera House to Great Lakes Theater to Playhouse Square and beyond. Andrew received his Bachelor of Music in Music Theatre from Baldwin Wallace University.

Franklin’s Ali Funkhouser (The Narrator) returns to Joseph for the third time, having appeared in the children’s ensemble of the 2004 national tour starring Patrick Cassidy and as The Narrator during her time at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. Other credits include the national tour of Evita, Legally Blonde with The LEX, and Puccini’s Suor Angelica with Chelsea Opera (NYC). An Equity Membership Candidate, Ali will receive her Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Theatre from Oklahoma City University this spring.

Nick Paone, also from Franklin, performs the roles of Pharoah and Jacob. A former Equity actor, Nick has written and directed numerous shows, produced an evening of one-act plays in NYC, and traveled extensively performing with Theater Works. A frequent FPAC performer and director, Nick is the creative mind behind FPAC’s annual holiday pantos and original productions Humbug! A Beggar’s Opera and Zero: A Musical Fable.

Casey Harkness Andrade (Mrs. Potiphar), of Lincoln, RI, has been a professional choreographer, educator, and performer for more than 10 years. An adjunct faculty member at Rhode Island College, Casey is an adjudicator and choreographer for the Elite Dance Challenge regional and national competition. Recent FPAC credits include The Addams Family (Morticia) and Monty Python’s Spamalot.

Raye Lynn Mercer directs FPAC’s production, which also features many local performers and students of the arts, including a children’s choir. FPAC Costumer Merrie Whitney, of Franklin, has designed the entire show, with special attention to Joseph’s iconic coat. Middlesex Savings Bank is the Production Sponsor. 

Tickets are $34, with general seating. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX theater, music, and event venue is located at 15 West Central Street. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is presented by arrangement with The Musical Company, LP.

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Tom Rush March 17

Just Announced! Tom Rush will be back in Franklin on March 17th

View this email in your browser TOM RUSH with Matt Nakoa March 17th 8PM $45 We were delighted to just find out that Circle of Friends favorite Matt Nakoa will be joining Tom Rush this Saturday. https://mattnakoa.com/ Also Antje Duvekot has recovered from throat surgery and will be here May 12th. Tom's impact on the American music scene has been profound. He helped shape the folk revival in the '60s and the renaissance of the '80s and '90s, his music having left its stamp on generations of artists. James Taylor told Rolling Stone, "Tom was not only one of my early heroes, but also one of my main influences." Country music star Garth Brooks has credited Rush with being one of his top five musical influences. Tom's distinctive guitar style, wry humor and warm, expressive voice have made him both a legend and a lure to audiences around the world. His shows are filled with the rib-aching laughter of terrific story-telling, the sweet melancholy of ballads and the passion of gritty blues.  http://tomrush.com/ The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Tickets for this show is $45.  Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information. Upcoming Shows Mar 17       An Evening with Tom Rush Apr 7         Gretchen Peters with Carolann Solebello Apr 28       Pat Donohue May 12      Antje Duvekot with The Starlight Honeys NOTE: Patty Larkin will be rescheduled next season.

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

Action and IMPACT: Community Arts Advocacy Day - April 7

Action and IMPACT: Community Arts Advocacy Day is a multi-town event bringing together artists, art advocates, cultural organizations, and local businesses to participate in a day of grassroots activism and education to support the growth and effectiveness of the arts and arts organizations in Massachusetts.

This second annual Community Arts Advocacy Day (CAAD) offers ten free workshops to attendees, as well as a variety of grassroots arts advocacy activities. CAAD will be held on Saturday, April 7 from 8:00 - 2:30 at the Franklin Senior Center. Attendance is free, though registration is required. In addition to members of the Franklin Cultural Council, Norfolk Cultural Council, Massachusetts Cultural Council and MASSCreative, MA Representative Jeff Roy will speak on how and why to advocate with legislators; he will also participate in one of the advocacy workshops, allowing participants to role play advocacy conversations with him. Any organization from any town is welcome to attend. To register for CAAD, go to: http://bit.ly/CAAD2018register.

AGENDA:
8:00 - 9:00 Registration, Breakfast & Networking
9:00 - 9:10 Welcome Address
9:10 - 9:25 Why Advocate?
9:25 - 9:40 MASSCreative: Advocating for Public Funding for the Arts, Arts Education and Public Art
9:40 - 10:00 Creative Break to Advocate…grassroots advocacy activities
10:10 - 11:10 Educational Workshop Session 1
11:20 - 12:20 Educational Workshop Session 2
12:30 - 1:15 Lunch and Meet Your Reps…an opportunity to talk about the arts with legislators while noshing
1:25 - 2:25 Panel Discussion: How to Drive Community Engagement
2:25 - 2:30 Wrap Up

Action and IMPACT: Community Arts Advocacy Day - April 7

WORKSHOPS: How to Attract and Keep Volunteers — Karen Wellerson-Juhl, Franklin Cultural Council Volunteers are the backbone of many arts organizations. Finding them (and keeping them!) can sometimes be difficult, but is an integral part of your group's success. Learn tips, tricks and proven strategies from Karen, who has a wealth of experience dealing with volunteers as the Director of the Sherborn Council on Aging

Shoestring Marketing for Arts Organizations — Stacey David, Franklin Cultural Council Learn how to build a marketing plan for your arts organization from the ground up! Stacey has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and public relations, and will walk you through the steps of creating a successful marketing plan. Elements include: PR, advertising, social media, special events, marketing collateral, newsletters and more. Many arts organizations are volunteer-run or have small staffs and small budgets…but that doesn't mean you can't market yourself! Stacey can teach you how to market on a shoestring.

The Mass Cultural Council Community Initiative: How to Build Community Partnerships — Mina Kim, Massachusetts Cultural Council Arts and culture enrich community growth, empower individuals, cultivate youth leadership, and provide a whole that is greater than the sum of our parts. What is the sum of our parts? How do we recognize our role in elevating the power of culture with our partners? The MCC's new Community Initiative focuses on building partnerships among local cultural councils, cultural districts, municipal officials, and the broader arts and culture sector at the local and regional levels. Join Mina Kim, Program Officer for the Community Initiative, to learn about existing and potential networks that have taken root through the Initiative, and how to cultivate meaningful collaborations that bolster support for your work.  

Social Media Basics—Charity Stolarz and Taylor McVay, Norfolk Cultural Council Learn to leverage the power of social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to connect to your community and amplify your message. Charity and Taylor will give you a crash course in the basic usage of the most popular social media platforms, along with tips and advice on which platforms are best suited for use in various circumstances. You'll get tools and techniques to boost your reach and maximize engagement with your target audience, and a chance to practice posting, liking, sharing, tweeting and adding friends in real time with a workshop full of new social media followers. No social media experience necessary! You will need to bring your smartphone and/or laptop to this workshop. If possible, please have the social media apps pre-installed on your devices beforehand.

Grant Budget Planning for Non-Profits — Barb Gardner and Lillian Gould, Franklin Cultural Council For many, the budget portion of a grant proposal causes real anxiety. Join Barb, a grant writer for Tufts University, and Lillian, a former grant writer for the MFA, for a step-by-step walk through of how to design and prepare a great budget and budget narrative, and take the stress out of this critical piece of the process.  

Creating a Successful Arts/Business Partnership Event— Kelly Artamonov, ArtWeek Local businesses and arts organizations can create mutually beneficial marketing and special events, forging lasting symbiotic relationships. Partnership events allow arts organizations to expand their reach and public awareness while creating good PR, revenue, and enhanced branding for the business partner. Learn the many ways that arts can partner with businesses and brainstorm how to create a partnership event in your own community.  

Developing a Social Media Strategy—Charity Stolarz and Taylor McVay, Norfolk Cultural Council Once you know the basics, it's time to build a strategy! This workshop is a great sequel to our Social Media Basics workshop and can also help organizations with an established social media presence maximize their efficacy. This session will help you craft a strategic plan for using social media to your advantage. Topics include: tips for using hashtags effectively across platforms, using a consistent voice and style, developing a social media schedule, creative ways to consistently engage your followers, live functions, and more.  

Ask the Experts: Grants and Budgets— Barb Gardner and Lillian Gould, Franklin Cultural Council Have a specific question about an upcoming funding announcement? Looking for ideas to make your grant proposal stronger? Wondering how to design a budget for a project you’ve never done before? Not sure how to go about your first grant application? Then come with your questions and ask the experts! Lillian Gould and Barb Gardner together have over 20 years experience in grant writing and are available to help you.

Leveraging PR and Email Marketing— Tamara Starr, Franklin Cultural Council Tamara is currently a web producer for NBC Boston and New England Cable News, and knows what it takes to grab the attention of the press. This workshop will focus on how to write a great press release, managing relationships with editors, examples of impactful "letters to the editor" that support your arts and advocacy message, and more!  

The Ins and Outs of How to Advocate for the Arts— MA Representative Roy and Emily Ruddock, MASSCreative Representative Roy will talk to us about the issues he faces regarding State arts funding budgeting, the objections his colleagues might have to supporting the arts, and how to successfully address those objections when advocating. Emily, Program Advocate at MASSCreative, will then guide people in coming up with talking points and "scripts" for advocacy meetings with legislators, giving time to role play these meetings with Rep Roy and others.

Panel discussion: How to Drive Community Engagement—moderator, Stacey David, Franklin Cultural Council Without community engagement, your arts organization won't survive. Those that do it well, however, thrive. Our amazing panelists have a wealth of knowledge to share on this subject. Submit questions to our panel as part of your registration—we promise you'll gain a lot from this discussion!

Panelists include: • Tracy Kraus, Executive Director of the Worcester Chamber Music Society • Susan Nicholl, Executive Director of the MetroWest Visitors Bureau • Jen Leclerc, Manager of Community Engagement for the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston • Nicky Enriquez, Web & Digital Media Producer for the Massachusetts College of Art & Design • Justin Springer, Managing Partner of OUTSIDE THE BOX AGENCY  

Action and IMPACT: Community Arts Advocacy Day is a program of the Franklin Cultural Council, with additional support from the Norfolk Cultural Council, MASSCreative, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and our sponsors Dedham Savings Bank and Whole Foods Market. All advocacy activities and workshops are offered free of charge, however, a suggested donation of $10 per registrant is appreciated to help offset the cost of breakfast and lunch. To register for CAAD, please go to: http://bit.ly/CAAD2018register.

FPAC’S Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Opens This Weekend at THE BLACK BOX

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents the hit family musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, opening this weekend at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. Staged for six performances, show times are Saturday, March 10 at 2:00 and 7:30; Sunday, March 11 at 2:00; Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17 at 7:30; and Sunday, March 18 at 2:00. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a colorful and uplifting show for audiences of all ages.

Andrew Scott Holmes

Based on the biblical Joseph story, the lively Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical follows the trials and triumphs of Jacob’s favorite son in a high-adventure retelling of epic proportions. The musical is entirely sung-through and boasts catchy songs of many musical styles, from country western and calypso to pop, disco, and rock ’n’ roll. Musical Director Hallie Wetzell leads the production’s professional orchestra.

Andrew Scott Holmes returns to the FPAC stage to star in the title role, after almost two years at sea working for Princess Cruises as a Resident Guest Entertainer. An Actor’s Equity Association member, he has played leading roles and understudied Broadway stars at regional theaters, from Goodspeed Opera House to Great Lakes Theater to Playhouse Square and beyond. Andrew received his Bachelor of Music in Music Theatre from Baldwin Wallace University.

Ali Funkhouser

Franklin’s Ali Funkhouser (The Narrator) returns to Joseph for the third time, having appeared in the children’s ensemble of the 2004 national tour starring Patrick Cassidy and as The Narrator during her time at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. Other credits include the national tour of Evita, Legally Blonde with The LEX, and Puccini’s Suor Angelica with Chelsea Opera (NYC). An Equity Membership Candidate, Ali will receive her Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Theatre from Oklahoma City University this spring.

Nick Paone, also from Franklin, performs the roles of Pharoah and Jacob. A former Equity actor, Nick has written and directed numerous shows, produced an evening of one-act plays in NYC, and traveled extensively performing with Theater Works. A frequent FPAC performer and director, Nick is the creative mind behind FPAC’s annual holiday pantos and original productions Humbug! A Beggar’s Opera and Zero: A Musical Fable.

Casey Harkness Andrade (Mrs. Potiphar), of Lincoln, RI, has been a professional choreographer, educator, and performer for more than 10 years. An adjunct faculty member at Rhode Island College, Casey is an adjudicator and choreographer for the Elite Dance Challenge regional and national competition. Recent FPAC credits include The Addams Family (Morticia) and Monty Python’s Spamalot.

Raye Lynn Mercer directs FPAC’s production, which also features many local performers and students of the arts, including a children’s choir. FPAC Costumer Merrie Whitney, of Franklin, has designed the entire show, with special attention to Joseph’s iconic coat. Middlesex Savings Bank is the Production Sponsor. 

Tickets are $34, with general seating. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX theater, music, and event venue is located at 15 West Central Street. 

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is presented by arrangement with The Musical Company, LP.