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 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 Odessa Arts is the Cultural Tourism 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.

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

Matt Rist
President

Annie Stanley
Vice President

Linda Baum
Secretary

Ryan D. Patton
Treasurer

Aaron Hawley

Monica Tschauner

Mari Willis

Mario Kiran

Ryan McGuire

Amber Gray

Rev. Dr. Dawn Weaks

Eric Valdez

Norma Aguilar-Grimaldo

David McIntyre

Steve Goff
