Clayton County, Georgia’s art scene reflects the county itself—diverse, grounded, and shaped by people who use creativity as a form of connection. Often overshadowed by Atlanta’s larger cultural footprint, Clayton County has steadily developed an arts ecosystem rooted in accessibility, education, and community participation rather than exclusivity or trend-driven visibility.
From local galleries and public art events to nationally recognized performance venues, the arts in Clayton County function as both cultural expression and civic infrastructure.
Arts Clayton: The Visual Arts Anchor
At the center of Clayton County’s visual arts community is Arts Clayton, a nonprofit gallery and arts organization located in historic downtown Jonesboro. Established in 1986, Arts Clayton has played a sustained role in cultivating artistic visibility and engagement across the county.
The organization hosts rotating exhibitions featuring Georgia artists working in painting, photography, sculpture, fiber arts, and mixed media. Its gallery programming is complemented by art classes, workshops, and community partnerships that prioritize participation over passive consumption.
According to Arts Clayton, its mission is to “provide opportunities for all to experience and participate in the visual arts,” a goal reflected in its emphasis on education and local collaboration rather than commercial exclusivity.
Arts Clayton also serves as a connector—linking artists, schools, civic organizations, and residents through exhibitions and outreach initiatives that embed art into daily community life.
Public Art and Community-Centered Events
Beyond gallery walls, Clayton County’s art scene becomes most visible during public events that activate shared spaces. One such initiative is ArtWalk on Main Street in Jonesboro, a recurring event that brings visual artists, musicians, and makers into the downtown corridor.
ArtWalk transforms the street into a temporary arts district, allowing residents to encounter creativity in an informal, accessible setting. These events highlight the county’s emphasis on participation and visibility, reinforcing the idea that art belongs in public life—not only in institutions.
Source: Clayton County Government
Seasonal festivals, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings across the county often integrate art and music, reinforcing creativity as part of Clayton County’s civic identity.
Performance Arts: Spivey Hall and Beyond
Clayton County’s performance arts presence is anchored by Spivey Hall at Clayton State University, an internationally respected concert venue known for its acoustics and programming. Spivey Hall regularly hosts classical, jazz, and global music performances featuring acclaimed national and international artists.
Often described as one of Georgia’s premier listening halls, Spivey Hall brings world-class cultural experiences into the county while remaining accessible to students and residents alike.
Source: https://spiveyhall.org
Clayton State University also supports theatrical and dance performances through campus venues such as the Crescent Theatre, providing opportunities for students and community members to engage in live performance.
In addition, the Clayton County Schools Performing Arts Center serves as a vital educational and community venue, hosting student productions, concerts, and public events. The center reinforces the connection between arts education and public expression, ensuring that creative development begins early and remains visible.
A Growing Cultural Identity
Clayton County’s art scene is not defined by scale but by intentional presence. It prioritizes access, education, and representation while contributing to economic development and community cohesion. Positioned within the greater Atlanta region, Clayton County benefits from proximity to major cultural networks while maintaining its own creative identity rooted in local experience.
As the county continues to grow, the arts remain a steady force—documenting stories, shaping public space, and offering residents a shared cultural language.