About

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.

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 Arts. There are approximately 50 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 Council is the Grant Program, which includes both Annual and Mini-grants. In 2014, OCA&H granted over $325,000 to organizations and individuals promoting Art and tourism in the Odessa area.

Other programs include

Hot Summer Nights, a concert series held between late May and early August in partnership with Downtown Odessa, Inc. featuring an eclectic array of musicians, food trucks and local artists in Odessa’s beautiful downtown Noël Park. Volunteer of the Year honoring the outstanding volunteers from the Arts community. One Book Odessa, a city wide reading program designed to get everyone in Odessa reading the same book, and featuring an appearance by the author! Books in the Basin, Odessa’s very own book festival. A monthly ad in the Odessa American to promote all the arts and humanities events throughout the city; and other activities and that promote the organizations and encourage participation by the entire community in the arts and humanities. Odessa Arts educating and engaging the Odessa community through the Arts since 1978!