Arts Clayton reached a significant milestone with the award of a $60,000 two-year grant by BellSouth through the Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund (MAAF). The grant will be used for an Executive/Marketing Director to implement the mission and vision of the organization.

In accepting the grant, President Pat Hussey commented, "We are excited and proud to have this grant. Arts Clayton works with every segment of our community, and with 250,000 residents we must have professional staff that is both knowledgeable and active in keeping Clayton County a great place to live, work & study. This grant opens new doors of opportunity to foster art and cultural understanding with our children and families."

For the past 10 years, MAAF has served as a unique resource for the heart and soul of metro Atlanta's small-business arts groups - supporting those groups which reflect both the area's cultural roots and its future.

Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin spoke at the awards ceremony on the original funding for MAAF from the Coca~Cola Company, the continued partnership between the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and The Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta and the importance of businesses strengthening and investing in the arts.

MAAF has awarded 58 grants totaling over $1.9 million. Arts Clayton will use the grant to reach new audiences, grow Cultural Crossroads International Festival.