City Council approves $500K in funding for Odessa Arts

ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The Odessa City Council has awarded $500,000 in hotel occupancy tax funds to support Odessa Arts and its ongoing efforts to enrich the community through art, culture, and literacy. The funding is part of a nearly $3.5 million allocation to promote tourism and boost the local convention and hotel industry in Odessa.

Since 2014, Odessa Arts has distributed more than $1.4 million in grants to various organizations. This latest funding will enable the m to provide subgrants to groups hosting events that attract visitors and promote local tourism. Additionally, these funds will support a wide range of programming throughout the year, including Odessa Arts’ literacy initiatives and the highly anticipated Shakespeare Festival.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Odessa City Council for their continued support. This funding is vital in helping Odessa Arts facilitate events, concerts, performances, art galleries, the longest-running jazz party in the country, and so much more. The organizations that Odessa Arts supports through their subgrant program reflect our community in the murals on the street and the sweet sounds of the symphony. These initiatives enrich our community and enhance the quality of life through art, music, and cultural experiences,” Odessa Arts said in a news release.

Organizations interested in applying for a Cultural Tourism Grant can do so once a year in August. For more information or to inquire about the application process, please email Hello@OdessaArts.org .

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