About the Center
In 1999, Maryville College President Gerald Gibson and Vice President for College Advancement Mark Cate met with Blount County Chamber of Commerce President Fred Forster to discuss the idea for a civic arts center. That began an exciting process of gathering state, federal, Maryville College, corporate and private support that eventually became the Clayton Center for the Arts. A partnership project between the Cities of Maryville and Alcoa and Maryville College, this beautiful facility opened its doors in 2010 to what is an exciting lineup of theatre, dance, music and visual art.
Mission
As a gathering place for the community and its visitors and as the home of the Maryville College fine and performing arts program, the Clayton Center for the Arts provides opportunities for the lifelong expression and appreciation of the arts.
The Center plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life, bolstering cultural and economic vitality, strengthening tourism, and expanding the educational offerings for our community and region. The diversity of our community is to be reflected on our stages, in our galleries and in our audiences. Through its relationship to Maryville College, the Center will provide educational opportunities designed to attract and nurture artists of all ages. The programming is of the highest caliber and features the arts from around the world.