FRANKLIN, Ind.–Representatives of Discover Downtown Franklin (DDF) met with the Franklin City Council on Monday regarding its most recent initiative. Executive director Emily Snyder says the intention of the organization’s upcoming event, the Franklin Art Fair, was to turn the downtown area “into a destination for art.” Snyder reported that over 50 artists would be appearing, all from different mediums of art.
DDF also stated that they had applied for a $23,000 grant to help fund the event with the Franklin Economic Development Commission (EDC). City Council Member, Ken Austin, reported the EDC had notified council that this particular grant had been approved.
The money will be used for the fair and for Alley Activation, an initiative to address the unused space in the alleyways. The plan is to clean and refurbish them with lights, seating, planters, and pieces of art to help create a treasure for local citizens and passing tourists.
Concern was raised regarding the “smoking area” in the alley near the Elks Lodge and city council promised to speak with the alley owners.