This Week in San Antonio: Art, AI, and the City’s Next Moves

Artist Sandy Skoglund speaks on Revenge of the Goldfish at the McNay. Photography by Eve Slemp.

As September continues, San Antonio is pulsing with cultural momentum, from downtown redevelopment to bold visions for the future of art, tech, and civic life.

This week, we’re tracing the forces transforming the city—through visual art that stirs the subconscious, emerging cultural districts redefining local identity, and big ideas shaping San Antonio’s identity on a global stage.

At the McNay, Enchanting Nature by Sandy Skoglund invites us into surreal, color-saturated dreamscapes that challenge the line between real and imagined. Lorenzo Gomez III, our Urban Nerd, continues his Project Marvel series with a clarifying look at how San Antonio’s long history with public venues helps explain the present debate.

We also spotlight the deeper infrastructure behind creativity itself. In Creative Capital, contributor Mitzi Moore unpacks how a strategic mix of civic initiatives, public-private partnerships, and long-game advocacy is elevating San Antonio’s art scene, turning momentum into staying power. In tech, contributor Steve Cunningham reflects on his move from Silicon Valley to San Antonio and the opportunity to build a national hub for applied AI right here. And in Explore the Core, we walk the Downtown West District, where historic spaces are being reactivated with food, music, and street-level culture…

Step Into Sandy Skoglund’s Surreal Worlds at the McNay

ARTS & CULTURE | Eve Slemp

The McNay presents Enchanting Nature by Sandy Skoglund, a dreamlike exhibition exploring the clash between culture and the natural world.

voiceofsanantonio.com/sandy-skoglund-enchanting-nature-mcnay-san-antonio

Three Arenas, Three Purposes: Myths, Mistakes, and a District Future

THE URBAN NERD | Lorenzo Gomez III

Explore why San Antonio’s three arenas aren’t redundant but distinct: The Alamodome, Frost Bank Center, and a new Spurs arena under Project Marvel’s vision.

voiceofsanantonio.com/san-antonio-three-arenas-project-marvel

How the Initiatives Behind San Antonio’s Art Scene Are Making It a Creative Capital

ARTS & CULTURE | Mitzi Moore

San Antonio’s art scene thrives in galleries, streets, and festivals—driven by city programs and community initiatives.

voiceofsanantonio.com/how-the-initiatives-behind-san-antonios-art-scene-are-making-it-a-creative-capital

From Silicon Valley to San Antonio: Building the Hub of Applied AI

MARKET & COMMERCE | Steve Cunningham

AI may be born in Silicon Valley, but its future is being written in San Antonio—a rising global hub for applied AI.

voiceofsanantonio.com/from-silicon-valley-to-san-antonio-building-the-hub-of-applied-ai

Explore the Core: Downtown West District

THE URBAN NERD | Lorenzo Gomez III

From high-rises to hidden bars, San Antonio’s Downtown West is becoming a place to live, work, and hang out—not just visit.

voiceofsanantonio.com/explore-the-core-downtown-west-district

BINGE THE URBAN NERD’S PROJECT MARVEL SERIES:

The Marvel Garble: San Antonio’s Perfect Storm of Confusion

Confused about Project Marvel? You're not alone. The Urban Nerd breaks down San Antonio’s tangled sports district plans, and why it matters to you.

voiceofsanantonio.com/the-marvel-garble-san-antonios-perfect-storm-of-confusion

Not One Project. Not a New District. Not Just for the Spurs.

Inside the San Antonio Sports and Entertainment District: Seven projects, not one arena, driving a bold new vision for downtown.

voiceofsanantonio.com/not-one-project-not-a-new-district-not-just-for-the-spurs

Divorcing the Sports District from the City’s Deficit

San Antonio’s Sports District isn’t draining the city budget. Here’s what’s really behind the friction at City Hall and why the facts matter.

voiceofsanantonio.com/divorcing-the-sports-district-from-the-citys-deficit

The Billion Dollar Question: Who Really Pays for the Spurs Arena? (It’s Not Your Pothole Fund.)

Locals aren’t paying for the Spurs arena—tourists, hotel stays, and the Spurs’ $1B+ investment foot the bill.

voiceofsanantonio.com/the-billion-dollar-question-who-really-pays-for-the-spurs-arena

Three Arenas, Three Purposes: Myths, Mistakes, and a District Future - Voice of San Antonio

Explore why San Antonio’s three arenas aren’t redundant but distinct: Alamodome, Frost Bank Center, and a new Spurs arena under Project Marvel’s vision.

voiceofsanantonio.com/san-antonio-three-arenas-project-marvel

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