Art Partners Preserve Historic Property

About the Program

Category: Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

Over the last decade, historic Clayton County saw a massive population explosion due to the urban sprawl of nearby Atlanta. Facing a large increase in population density, historic centers of culture in the county such as the Jonesboro Historic District came under pressure to adapt with the change in population. The urbanization of the region created drastic changes within the Jonesboro historic district. After realizing the threat that urban sprawl would continue to have on the district, the county partnered with the non-profit Arts Clayton in attempt to preserve its historic buildings and promote the arts. In 2008, Arts Clayton partnered with the county and moved into the a historic building on Main Street, setting the stage for the county’s historic preservation program. Tremendous multi-jurisdictional collaborations supported Arts Clayton’s move into this historic property, as the location received bond money from city, county, state, and federal partners. The building now hosts a summer camp, after-school art programs, a mobile Art Van, and more. The results have been overwhelming: in 2011 alone, roughly 64,000 local residents participated in 30 exhibits, 240 art classes, 24 workshops, and numerous community outreach events based on arts programming available to children, families, and the ethnic diversity of the community. In partnership with Arts Clayton, the preservation program has not only brought the creativity of art to the community but it has also contributed to the local economy. The revitalization of Jonesboro Historic District has encouraged businesses and families to settle in the region. Even so, the program is affordable. Annual operating costs for every aspect of the program come just under $500,000. This includes salaries, utilities, insurance, and much more that keep not only the historic building alive, but the community as well.