Franklin Cultural District Awarded State Funds

On Friday, the Mass Cultural Council  announced that 58 state-designated cultural districts, including the Franklin Cultural District, will each receive a $15,000 Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) award through the Cultural District Investment Grant program. This investment totals $870,000 in support of local entities that "galvanize economic activity and expand access to arts and culture in communities across the Commonwealth," according to a press release.

“Cultural districts not only draw people in, but they also create the conditions for communities to thrive,” said David T. Slatery, Acting Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. “Through the Massachusetts Cultural Districts Initiative, we recognize the essential role these districts play in strengthening local economies, animating public spaces, and creating places where people feel connected, welcome, and inspired. Cultural districts strengthen our communities while laying the groundwork for long-term economic and cultural vitality”

As the Commonwealth’s independent state arts agency, Mass Cultural Council is charged with bolstering the cultural sector, thereby advancing economic vitality, supporting transformational change, and celebrating, preserving, and inspiring creativity across all Massachusetts communities.

Each of the 58 state-designated cultural districts will receive a $15,000 award. These flexible funds may be used to support a wide range of activities, including marketing and promotion, organizational and partnership capacity-building, artist and vendor fees, public art and creative place-based work, collaborative planning and cultural policy efforts, and community-engaged data collection and reporting.

Established in 2011 by an act of the state Legislature, state-designated cultural districts drive economic growth, strengthen local character, and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. By supporting cultural and creative experiences, cultural districts attract tourists and entrepreneurs, helping cities and towns grow their cultural sector and expand their tax base. Cultural districts are navigable areas with a density of cultural facilities, activities, and assets that serve as hubs of artistic, cultural, and economic activity and provide a place-based identity for collaborative community initiatives.

The impact of cultural districts within their communities is both felt and measurable. In FY25, cultural districts reported:

2.72 million visitors to district-sponsored events throughout the state

Approximately 264 new businesses or organizations opening within the boundaries of a cultural district

The Massachusetts Cultural Districts Initiative is currently undergoing a comprehensive staff review and redesign, informed by engagement with district leaders, municipalities, artists, and state partners. Updated program guidelines will be released later this year.

The Franklin Cultural District (FCD) is a demarcated region within the Town of Franklin that encompasses the cultural facilities, activities, and assets that lie in a compact, pedestrian friendly area.