39° and Sunny
Franklin Arts & Culture Symposium Coming Sept 18-19
Website: Linked here! (Or visit: https://www.franklinma.gov/1162/2025-Arts-and-Culture-Symposium)
Franklin Arts & Culture Symposium: Where Creativity Meets Opportunity
Franklin’s creative economy is a living ecosystem—artists, small and local businesses plus cultural organizations; each brings unique skills, audiences, and resources. Cross-pollinating the creative economy means connecting these groups so their strengths feed into one another—like a local artist designing a mural for a café, drawing in more customers, or a theater partnering with shops to host pre-show events. The result? More visibility, more collaboration, and more economic activity.
With the FIFA World Cup coming to Gillette Stadium in 2026—and an estimated $800 million in economic impact for Massachusetts—Franklin has a chance to position itself as a vibrant destination for visitors and residents alike. Programs like the Arts & Culture Symposium lay the groundwork for partnerships that can spark new business models, attract regional attention, and activate Franklin in ways we’ve never tried before. Let's get creative with our economy—literally.
Meet Our Keynote Speakers [9.19 Program]
- Allison Yee – Founder & CEO of UpNext, a visionary retail strategist who has led hundreds of entrepreneurs through immersive pop-up activations that transform empty spaces into thriving hubs. Known as a “Retail Therapist” (and pun enthusiast), Allison’s work connects emerging brands with communities, creating experiences that leave a lasting impact.
- Lindsey Jaworek – Marlborough Economic Development Corporation, a champion for the hospitality industry who builds bridges between businesses, investors, and communities. Lindsey brings insight into how municipalities can create an environment where businesses flourish while enriching quality of life.
Join us to explore how Franklin can think bigger, partner smarter, and dream bolder—turning creative energy into economic growth for the entire region. Register for one or both events! Programming is free; (our volunteers will follow up with registered participants for food inquiries for the 19th).
Symposium at a Glance:
September 18, 2025 | 6–9 PM | Guidrey Center, Dean College
Kick off the symposium with an evening networking reception featuring interactive pop-up art installations, a regional Works on Paper exhibition, and high-energy live performances by the Desi Swag Queens. Connect with artists, creative entrepreneurs, and community leaders while experiencing Franklin’s cultural scene in action.
September 19, 2025 | 10 AM–2 PM | THE BLACKBOX
A day of inspiration and collaboration with keynote speakers Allison Yee, CEO & Founder of UpNext, and Lindsey Jaworek of the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). At 2 PM, we’ll close the symposium at the Franklin Farmers Market, where the Franklin Art Association will host an exhibition to benefit their scholarship fund—ensuring continued access to community programs and exhibitions.
