More details coming soon - in the mean time, take a peek at what I’m working on at Franklinculture.org and Franklinma.gov
Cory Munro Shea
Artist & Art Administrator
The Department of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy in Franklin is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable cultural ecosystem that enriches the quality of life for all residents while driving economic growth. Through strategic planning, accessible programming, and a commitment to community engagement, we create opportunities for creativity to flourish and for connections to deepen.
We champion public art, inclusive spaces like the revitalized Sculpture Park, and innovative digital initiatives to amplify cultural experiences and broaden our reach. By cultivating a robust network of volunteers, local businesses, artists, and residents, we empower the community to actively shape Franklin’s cultural landscape.
Our comprehensive resources and transparent infrastructure support event coordination, program development, and ongoing cultural activity, making Franklin a destination for creativity, collaboration, and economic vitality. Together, we build a stronger community where arts and culture thrive at the heart of everyday life.
Visit the Franklin Culture website for further details on events, artist opportunities and learning more about our creative community.
Developing Community Initiatives - Art Pharmacy
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.
“In Franklin, the timing of incorporating Arts Prescriptions is especially crucial as we continue to navigate the challenges of the opioid crisis that has profoundly impacted our community,” said Cory Shea, Franklin’s Director of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy.
The impact of the opioid crisis cannot be overstated. According to the World Health Organization, millions of people around the globe have died from opioid overdoses. In the United States, between June 2021 and March 2024 more than 100,000 people died from opioid related overdoses and some reports indicate that Massachusetts experienced deaths at more than twice the national average.
People continue to die despite increasing investments in substance abuse treatment and recovery. Since August 2023 the death rate has been declining but the need for continued investment in recovery and rehabilitation persists.”
Read more of the program through the Massachusetts Cultural Council Blog here.
Developing Public Art Opportunities for Artists
Creating public art opportunities in the Town of Franklin is a dynamic investment in community identity, cultural vitality, and local economic growth. By supporting initiatives such as the Artsy Box Project, Fairy Trails and Franklin Tales, the Micro Gallery RFP, and The Art of Play: Franklin's Cornhole Project, the Town of Franklin affirms its commitment to making art accessible in everyday spaces—sparking civic pride, storytelling, and connection.
These projects are not only creatively enriching but also economically impactful. According to Americans for the Arts, the nonprofit arts and culture sector generates $151.7 billion in economic activity annually in the United States—supporting 4.6 million jobs and generating $29.1 billion in government revenue. When artists are given stipends and public commissions, like those funded through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and legislative earmarks championed by Senator Rebecca Rausch, it ensures that creativity is not only celebrated but also compensated, contributing directly to artists' livelihoods.
Public art helps animate downtown spaces, attract visitors, and increase foot traffic to local businesses, enhancing the vibrancy of the local economy. Franklin’s investment in the arts fosters a cultural ecosystem that supports creative entrepreneurs, small businesses, and tourism. In doing so, it cultivates a more inclusive, welcoming, and economically resilient community—where the arts are both a source of inspiration and a driver of sustainable growth.
Public Art Jewel of FY25 - Franklin Dean Train Station Mural painted by artist and Franklin Resident, Kayla Nisbet
In August 2024, the Department of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy released a ‘Call for Mural Artists’ for a special project: a history-inspired mural at the Franklin/Dean Train Station in downtown Franklin. This project is funded through a Public Arts Earmark secured by Senator Rebecca Rausch, with additional support from Representative Jeffrey Roy. We are grateful for their leadership and advocacy in making this project possible.
The call drew an enthusiastic response from the community, and the selected proposal came from Kayla Nisbet—an award-winning photographer, graphic artist, mother and proud Franklin resident.
Kayla’s mural is scheduled for completion in October 2025, just in time for Franklin residents to enjoy during the holiday season and to welcome international soccer fans arriving next summer. Through her creative studio, Kayla Jean Creative, she specializes in visual storytelling—working with families, brands, and local businesses across MetroWest Boston to craft imagery that is both vibrant and deeply personal.
A committed member of Franklin’s creative community, Kayla also serves on the Franklin Cultural Council and was recently selected by the Franklin Cultural District Committee to paint the newest 2025 Artsy Box. When she’s not behind the lens or designing, you’ll often find Kayla painting murals, sketching alongside her kids, or experimenting with new plant-based recipes—infusing creativity into every corner of her life.
“We’re thrilled to see the Franklin/Dean Train Station transformed into a welcoming gateway through this mural project. Public art has the power to celebrate our community’s spirit, showcase local talent, and make Franklin an even more vibrant place to live, work, and visit.
Kayla’s vision will leave a lasting impression on residents, commuters, and visitors alike, and we couldn’t be more excited to see it come to life.” – Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator
Arts and Culture Symposium 2025
(Official Town webpage)
Franklin Arts & Culture Symposium is a dynamic, cross-sector event designed for artists, creative entrepreneurs, small business owners and anyone passionate about building vibrant communities through the arts and the creative economy.
About the 2025 Programs
Franklin Arts & Culture Symposium—a dynamic, cross-sector event designed for artists, creative entrepreneurs, small business owners, municipal leaders, and anyone passionate about building vibrant, inclusive communities through the arts and the creative economy.
Note: Both events are free. September 18 focuses on networking reception/artist performances, while September 19 features keynote speakers and additional networking opportunities.
Allison Yee – Founder & CEO of UpNext
Allison Yee is a visionary retail strategist known for spearheading pop-up programming that energizes communities and boosts brand visibility. With over 20 years of experience in retail and real estate development, she founded UpNext to guide entrepreneurs, municipalities, and developers in crafting innovative, place-based retail activations. Celebrated as a 'chief trailblazer, master collaborator, self proclaimed retail therapist, pun-lover," Yee has led hundreds of founders through immersive pop-up activations and designed dynamic retail projects that revive neighborhood storefronts
Her work emphasizes connecting emerging brands with communities, fostering meaningful experiences, and transforming temporary installations into lasting creative impact. Accessible and relatable, Allison often shares her retail insights under the moniker “Retail Therapist” across platforms like Instagram (@theallisonyee) and PoppingUpNext.com
Lindsey Jaworek – Of the Marlboro Economic Development Corporation
Fueled by a deep passion for the hospitality industry, Lindsey is committed to driving its growth while fostering meaningful connections with businesses and the local community.
MEDC is a public-private partnership operating as a sec. 501(c) nonprofit corporation, established by state legislation, Chapter 40 of the Acts of 2007. So, while we work closely with the Marlborough Mayor and City Council, we operate independently from them. "Our role is to work directly with site selectors, developers, investors, and businesses to help them enter, establish and expand in the city. We do this in order to facilitate and foster economic development, improve the quality of life for local residents and, ultimately, stabilize the residential tax rate by expanding the commercial tax base.
We’re funded through an annual transfer from the City of Marlborough’s economic development fund. The account is financed through a 2% local option hotel rooms tax, which was approved and implemented by the Marlborough City Council in 2010."