Community Conversation to Focus on Franklin ArtPharmacy Initiative

The Town of Franklin is excited to welcome Michael Bobbitt, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and Emily Devlin, LICSW, Head of Strategic Partnerships & Clinical Innovation at Art Pharmacy, for a Community Conversation on how the arts can play a vital role in supporting health and well-being in Franklin.

With funding from the Town opioid settlement funds, Franklin is launching Art Pharmacy—a nationally recognized program that connects individuals to arts and cultural engagements as a tool for healing, social connection, and overall wellness. The Town is piloting a program in Franklin specifically for substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support.

We are seeking partners from across Franklin’s arts, culture, and social services sectors to help bring these programs to life. Whether you’re part of a cultural organization, a wellness or mental health provider, a social services agency, or a business focused on community well-being, this is an opportunity to collaborate and make a difference.

Wednesday, March 5th 12-2pm 

At the Blackbox Theater, 15 W Central Street, Franklin, Massachusetts 02038

Join us to learn more about:

• How Art Pharmacy programs will positively impact Franklin

• Opportunities for local arts & culture organizations, social service providers, and community-focused businesses to become program partners

• The role of arts and culture in strengthening mental health, wellness, and social connection

RSVP to the conversation at 

This community conversation is free and open to the public. Parking available onsite. For accessibility needs, please reach out to Cory Shea at [email protected]. 

About Art Pharmacy:

Art Pharmacy connects people to arts and culture engagements in their communities to support their health and well-being. 

Art Pharmacy works with a wide variety of cultural organizations.

• Creative or cultural programs that are open to the public.

• Programs may include a range of arts experiences from ‘receptive’ (e.g., admission to a museum, tickets to a performance) to ‘participatory’ (e.g., dance classes, open mic event).

• Practice any arts discipline/genre (visual & performing arts, literary arts, history & culture, etc.)

Who are Art Pharmacy members? 

‍Art Pharmacy serves a wide range of individuals, ages 12+. The majority fall into two main groups, older adults (55+) showing risk factors for social isolation, loneliness, and depression, and young people (12-26) with behavioral health conditions, such as stress, anxiety, or depression.