Mission Statement

Odessa Arts exists to support and promote the Arts & Humanities in Odessa and Ector County through Cultural Tourism, Arts Education and Arts Advocacy.

Our History

The Odessa Cultural Council was organized in 1978 by a group of dedicated volunteers using a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts. The mission was to coordinate, communicate and support the visual, performing and literary arts and humanities in Odessa. In 1994, the Council became more involved in community-wide endeavors that would promote and support the interests of its members, including emerging and existing arts organizations, utilizing various marketing strategies.

In 1998, the name was changed to the Odessa Council for the Arts & Humanities, and in 2017, the name was changed once more to Odessa Arts. There are over 400 individuals, organizations and businesses involved in the Council including arts and education organizations, businesses, heritage organizations, artists and other interested individuals.

The most important activity of the Odessa Arts is the Cultural Tourism Grant Program, which includes both Annual and Mini-grants. In 2020-21, Odessa Arts granted $295,000 to organizations and individuals promoting Art and tourism in the Odessa area.

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is made up of artists,
educators and community leaders.

Dr. Aaron Hawley

Dr. Aaron Hawley

President

Amber Gray

Amber Gray

Vice President

Gaven Norris

Gaven Norris

Treasurer

Kathy Swindler

Kathy Swindler

Secretary

Annie Stanley

Annie Stanley

Monica Tschauner

Monica Tschauner

Mario Kiran

Mario Kiran

Rev. Dr. Dawn Weaks

Rev. Dr. Dawn Weaks

Eric Valdez

Eric Valdez

Amanda Lopez

Amanda Lopez

Norma Aguilar-Grimaldo

Norma Aguilar-Grimaldo

Seth Oliver

Seth Oliver

Linda Baum

Linda Baum

Steve Goff

Steve Goff

Ryan McGuire

Ryan McGuire

Not Pictured

Dr. Tramaine Anderson

Jason Berridge

Irene Perry

Denver Pradon

Staff

Our staff has decades of combined experience
in the arts and development.

Randy Ham

Randy Ham

Executive Director

Form 990 Archive

Record of our responsibility at your fingertips.