Cultural Tourism Grants
Since 1978, Odessa Arts has granted money from the City of Odessa’s Hotel Occupancy Tax to promote Cultural Tourism
in Odessa and Ector County.
Since 2014, Odessa Arts has given over $1.4 million in grants.
Grant money is used to fund marketing, hotel rooms, and other expenses related to operating costs or special programming.
Organizations can apply for a Cultural Tourism Grant once a year.
Submit your application here:
Previous Recipients
2023 Grant Recipients
Basin PBS – $17,500
Ellen Noël Art Museum – $25,000
Midland Festival Ballet – $14,000
Odessa College – $17,500
Permian Playhouse – $20,000
UTPB – $21,000
Wagner Noël – $24,000
West Texas Jazz Society – $22,500
West Texas Symphony – $18,000
2022 Grant Recipients
Basin PBS – $24,000
Basin Theatre Works – $30,000
Ellen Noël Art Museum – $24,000
Midland Festival Ballet – $18,500
Midland-Odessa Symphony & Chorale – $18,000
Odessa College – $7,500
Permian Basin Opera – $3,500
UTPB – $20,000
Wagner Noël – $33,500
West Texas Jazz – $27,000
2021 Grant Recipients
Basin PBS – $30,000
Cassatt in the Basin – $20,000
Ellen Noël Art Museum – $35,000
Lisa Butler – $10,000
Marfa Public Radio – $10,000
Midland Festival Ballet – $19,000
Midland-Odessa Symphony & Chorale – $20,000
Odessa College – $35,000
Permian Basin Opera – $10,000
Permian Playhouse – $30,000
Pride Center – $1,000
UTPB – $35,000
Wagner Noël – $20,000
West Texas Jazz – $20,000
2020 Grant Recipients
Allegro Chorale – $6,000
Artisan Art Walk – $6,000
Cassatt in the Basin – $15,000
Ellen Noël Art Museum – $29,500
Live On Stage! – $5,000
Midland Festival Ballet – $10,000
Odessa College – $25,000
Permian Playhouse – $29,500
UTPB – $25,000
Wagner Noël – $20,000
West Texas Jazz – $19,000
2019 Grant Recipients
Allegro Chorale – $10,000
Cassatt in the Basin – $11,000
Ellen Noël Art Museum – $27,000
Keep Odessa Beautiful – $4,000
Live On Stage! – $4,000
Midland Festival Ballet – $15,000
Midland-Odessa Symphony & Chorale – $27,000
Parker House – $9,000
Permian Basin Opera – $16,000
UTPB Art – $27,000
Wagner Noël – $22,000
West Texas Education Project – $8,000
West Texas Film – $7,000
West Texas Harp Soc – $6,000
West Texas Public Radio – $10,000
West Texas Talent – $8,000
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.
