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.