Clayton, NC--The Town of Clayton continues its efforts to support the arts by offering the Clayton Arts Grants program for the third consecutive year. The grants are designed to foster the development and growth of the arts in Clayton to the benefit of Clayton residents of all ages.

Since its inception in 2007, the Cultural Arts Grant program has awarded $44,000 in grants to local artists and arts groups. Organizations that have benefited from the program include Clayton Visual Arts, Johnston County Chorale, Clayton Historical Association, Johnston County Artist Guild, Clayton High School Band and Clayton Youth Theater.

"The Cultural Arts Grant program is designed to generate more interest in cultural arts programming and to develop an efficient process for allocating resources," Heidi Stump, executive director of The Clayton Center and program facilitator, said. "The Town hopes that the grant funding will generate more interest in arts programming and encourage citizens to step forward to lead new cultural arts activities." "This grant program, and the fruits of these arts projects, will help us take another step toward our goal of becoming known as an arts community," Mayor Jody McLeod said.

Applications for the Cultural Arts Grants are available at The Clayton Center reception desk and must be completed by July 27. For more information about the Town of Clayton Cultural Arts Grant program, contact Heidi Stump at 553-3152 x 4.