The Down Market: A Year in Creation

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As 2024 comes to a close, The Down Market finds itself on a brief hiatus, taking a moment to reflect on the groundbreaking work that has defined our year and set the stage for an even brighter future. From documenting local innovation to capturing the pulse of San Antonio’s creative community, this year has been one of remarkable transformation and progress. Through our stories, events, and collaborations, we’ve worked to amplify voices, build connections, and honor the city’s diverse cultural landscape.

In a year that has seen major milestones—both personal and communal—we look back on the moments that made 2024 unforgettable. The Down Market may be taking a pause until the end of January, but as we recharge, we celebrate the incredible work we’ve shared, the relationships we’ve cultivated, and the impact we’ve had.

One of our proudest initiatives this year has been Sweat San Antonio, a monthly series that brought together fitness enthusiasts and community members in Legacy Park. These events went beyond physical wellness, offering an immersive experience where local culture and fitness intersected. Each session was not just a workout; it was a celebration of the city’s spirit, drawing together people from all walks of life to sweat, laugh, and grow stronger together.

We’ve watched San Antonio grow into a hub of creativity and innovation, and nowhere was that more apparent than during San Antonio Startup Week. As a proud partner, we facilitated important conversations that spurred growth, opportunity, and collaboration. Panels like “Pitch It to Win It” showcased the next wave of innovators, while networking events and workshops sparked the kind of cross-disciplinary dialogue that will shape the city’s future. The energy was palpable, and we were honored to be part of the momentum.

This year also saw the debut of our Creative Futures Brunch, a landmark gathering of leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives. Together, we explored ways to foster collaboration, empower local talent, and shape a more inclusive creative ecosystem. The brunch was a reminder that San Antonio is a city full of potential, driven by individuals who are dedicated to making things happen. The conversations that unfolded there will undoubtedly resonate in the work we continue to do.

A moment of immense pride for the city and for us personally was the success of Mixtli, the award-winning restaurant that has been a focal point in our coverage this year. Through a three-part documentary, we followed the journey of Chef Diego and Chef Rico as they poured their hearts into redefining the culinary landscape. When Mixtli received its Michelin star, it wasn’t just a win for them—it was a win for San Antonio. The city’s culinary scene is evolving, and Mixtli’s story is one of resilience, vision, and artistry.

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In 2024, we took a bold leap into the world of visual storytelling with The Down Market: Manga. Through illustrated art strips and an augmented reality scavenger hunt, we brought San Antonio’s rich culture and history to life in a completely new way. This project allowed us to showcase the intersection of technology and tradition, creating a platform for local artists to shine while celebrating the city’s unique identity.

The Culture + Creative Series continued its mission to profile the people who are reshaping the landscape of San Antonio. From fashion innovators and tech entrepreneurs to artists and musicians, we’ve told the stories of those pushing the boundaries in their respective fields. These profiles have reminded us all of the immense talent and creativity that thrives within the city, constantly inspiring us to aim higher.

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Behind every great project is a dedicated team, and we’ve been fortunate to work with an incredible group of interns who helped bring our vision to life. Their fresh perspectives, creativity, and passion have been invaluable. Our internship program has become a key part of our mission, offering mentorship opportunities and real-world experience to the next generation of San Antonio’s creative leaders. Their contributions have shaped some of our most ambitious projects, and we are excited to continue nurturing this talent in the years to come.

As we take a break to recharge, we are filled with excitement for what’s to come. 2025 promises to be another year of exploration, innovation, and storytelling. With new projects on the horizon, we’re looking forward to pushing the boundaries even further, diving into fresh collaborations, and continuing to tell the stories that matter to our community.

We want to thank you—our readers, partners, and supporters—for being part of this journey. The Down Market’s work in 2024 has been a testament to the power of connection, collaboration, and community. While we may be on hiatus for the moment, we encourage you to revisit our past stories on thedownmarket.com, stay connected, and be ready for the exciting projects we have in store for 2025.

Until then, here’s to a year well-lived, and to the stories yet to be told.

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