Franklin Cultural District + Dean Bank Public Art Residency

Call for Artists: Dean Bank Mural Residency Program
The Franklin Cultural District, in partnership with Dean Bank and the Town of Franklin’s Department of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, is seeking artists for the inaugural Cultural District + Dean Bank Public Art Residency Program.

This residency will support the creation of an original, site-specific mural across designated exterior inlets at Dean Bank Square. One artist (or artist team) will be selected through an open call to design, install, and steward a mural that reflects Franklin’s community, creativity, and evolving cultural identity.

Program Overview

The Dean Bank Mural Residency Program is a community-centered public art initiative that blends artistic excellence with civic engagement. The selected artist will collaborate with Town staff, Dean Bank representatives, and community members throughout the design and installation process.

Murals will remain on view for approximately 3–5 years, after which new artists will be invited to contribute to the site. This rotating residency model ensures the artwork remains fresh and responsive to the community, while creating ongoing opportunities for artists to share their work in downtown Franklin.

The mural will be installed on Depot Street in the three brick inlets facing the Cultural District.

Selected Artist Responsibilities
The selected artist will:

- Design and execute an original mural on a designated inlet at Dean Bank Square
- Participate in community engagement opportunities such as workshops, community paint days, or idea-sharing sessions
- Collaborate with Town of Franklin staff and Dean Bank representatives to ensure alignment with community themes and feedback
- Maintain and periodically update the mural during the residency term (as outlined in the artist agreement)
- Submit concept sketches and a final approved design prior to installation
Designs should be vibrant, inclusive, and reflective of Franklin’s cultural diversity and values. 

 

Artist Support & Compensation
- Artists will be contracted by the Town of Franklin
- A stipend will be provided for design and installation [$1,000 artist stipend]
- Paint supplies, materials, and logistical support will be provided
- Wall preparation and site coordination will be handled in collaboration with the project team
- Color schemes have been pre-determined by the materials supplied by the Department of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy.  

The Paint that will be used in this next phase of Public Art Making stems from the '2025 Franklin/Dean Train Station mural': Rodda Paint CASCADIA XL Exterior Satin Paint & Primer in One,  Hush, Quiet Peace, Cherry Blink, Plateau, Happy Tune,  Black Licorice, Amber and Mountain Main [visit website for visualization of color palette: https://www.franklinma.gov/1222/Franklin-Dean-Train-Station-Mural] painted by Franklin resident and Artist, Kayla Nisbet. Proposed projects should be designed with this color palette in mind. 

 

Eligibility
This opportunity is open to artists 18 years and older. Artists with a demonstrated interest in community-engaged work are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Requirements
Applicants must submit compelted application [which you are prompted to upload below].

- Submit concept sketches/Preliminary concept sketches (may be conceptual, final approved design prior to installation).
Designs should be vibrant, inclusive, and reflective of Franklin’s cultural diversity and values.
- A portfolio of relevant past work (PDF or website link)
- A brief letter of intent/ A project proposal describing artistic approach and community engagement ideas

- Reference Letter(s)

Project Timeline
Phase 1: Preparation & Launch January 2026

Phase 2: Submission Period: January 2026 – March 15, 2026
– Applications accepted

Phase 3: Review & Selection
March 16 – April 5, 2026
– Panel review and artist selection
– Interviews may be requested

Phase 4: Site Preparation
April 6 – May 5, 2026
– Wall preparation and scheduling

Phase 5: Mural Installation
June 2026
– 2–3 week installation window

Phase 6: Completion & Celebration
Mid/End of June 2026
– Final approval and public unveiling
- Artist stipend mailed by the Town of Franklin after completion of installation.

Applications must be submitted through the official online form by March 15, 2025. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. For technical support for this application please contact the Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Cory Shea at Cshea@franklinma.gov

Applicant Acknowledgment & Responsibility Statement

By submitting this collaborative project, the applicant affirms that all information provided in this application is true, complete, and accurate to the best of their knowledge. The applicant understands that any false, misleading, or incomplete information may result in disqualification from consideration or revocation of an award.

If selected the applicant acknowledges that they will become a Program Partner of the Franklin Cultural District Committee, a Town-appointed committee operating under the Town of Franklin’s Department of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy. Program Partners agree to uphold the mission, values, and standards of the Franklin Cultural District and to comply with all applicable Town policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Once an artist is selected for this project, The Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy will follow up with via email along with an artist contract.

Selected artists further understand and agree that:

They are responsible for obtaining any required permits, approvals, or permissions associated with their proposed project. 

They will adhere to all local, state, and federal laws and regulations while carrying out their funded activities.

The Town of Franklin assumes no liability for the content, execution, or outcomes of the funded project. All risks, responsibilities, and obligations associated with the project remain solely with the applicant.

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in withdrawal of funding and/or ineligibility for future opportunities.

By submitting this application, the applicant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to these terms.

Applicants will be notified via email that was shared at the beginning of this application process.