Franklin's Cultural Conference Kicks Off

.Welcome & Networking Reception was hosted by Dean College at the Guidrey Center for the Franklin Arts and Culture Symposium, produced by the town’s Department of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy. The evening was designed for networking and to a lesser extent to showcase some of the art and culture initiatives that the town is currently supporting.

Organized by Cory Shea Director of Arts Culture and the Creative Economy and emceed by John Ristaino Franklin Cultural Council Chair the event speakers included Stephen Ursprung, Dean, Schools of Performing Arts, Associate Professor of Dance Studies Dean, who highlighted not only the schools academic programs but also the full schedule of drama, dance, and music events coming up.

Peter Rochat spoke enthusiastically on behalf of the Franklin Cultural District Committee. Rochat is the owner of Pete’s Nerd Emporium on Main Street and noted that important role of the Cultural District in helping to bring more business downtown.

In addition to hangings of works by local artists, the event was also bracketed by two performances. First up was Dean’s a capella vocal ensemble (pictured above) directed by Tim Ayres-Kerr, with doo-wop and doo-wop inspired songs that provided an opportunity for each member to solo. At the end of the event, the Desi Swag Queens, an ensemble performing a variety of dances based on the culture of India performed to enthusiastic applause. The ‘Queens” included Swati Rao, Manjula Gone, Deepa Bhaskar , Vidhi Patel, Chhaya Thakkar, Mansi Mehrotra Lavanya Jayaraman, Prathima Mohan Swetha Gandhi Shruti, Anantha Billakanti Shravanthi, and Aparna Ramasundar.

The Arts and Culture event continues Thursday morning at the Black Box.