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
President
Amber Gray
Vice President
Gaven Norris
Treasurer
Kathy Swindler
Secretary
Annie Stanley
Monica Tschauner
Mario Kiran
Rev. Dr. Dawn Weaks
Eric Valdez
Amanda Lopez
Norma Aguilar-Grimaldo
Seth Oliver
Linda Baum
Steve Goff
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
Executive Director
Form 990 Archive
Record of our responsibility at your fingertips.
First Friday ODTX is a monthly gathering every first Friday of the month for residents and visitors of downtown Odessa. Each month, the streets are lively and colorful with music, games, and delicious food.
The Odessa Shakespeare Festival, an annual celebration of the enduring legacy of the Bard, has captivated audiences with exceptional performances and insightful interpretations of Shakespeare’s timeless works.
Each event features four readers who read their own writing for seven minutes or less and are then critiqued by three judges (often actors, comedians, authors, musicians or dancers) in the categories of literary merit, performance and intangibles.
Embark on a literary journey with fellow book enthusiasts as we explore captivating stories in the One Book, One Basin community book club meet-up. This season, dive into the spellbinding world of “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay” by Michael Chabon for adults or “The Cloak Society” by Jeramey Kraatz for youth and families.
The mission of Dallas Black Dance Theatre is to create and produce contemporary modern dance at its highest level of artistic excellence through performances and educational programs that bridge cultures and reach diverse communities.
Art After Dark Podcast, hosted by our charismatic Executive Director, Randy Ham, is your weekly rendezvous with the vibrant arts and culture scene of West Texas. Channeling the sophisticated charm of the Dick Cavett Show, Randy delves into captivating conversations with local artists and business owners, unveiling their unique perspectives and creative journeys. Tune in for a masterclass in wit, wisdom, and artistic flair that will leave you inspired and entertained.
Miss an episode? Check out all our past episodes here.
Looking for more Art After Dark than our podcast episodes? Visit our Blog for a closer look at what's happening, and maybe even discover who's coming up next.
