Inaugural event connects New Mexico's film, art, and tech talent with a global audience during the city's premier tech and culture convergence.
SANTA FE, N.M., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- New Mexico made a spirited debut on the global stage during SXSW with the launch of New Mexico House, a day-long showcase celebrating the state's innovation, culture, and economic opportunities. Presented by the New Mexico Economic Development Department (NMEDD) and other sponsors, the March 10th event transformed a downtown Austin venue into a little slice of the Land of Enchantment – complete with art displays, New Mexico-inspired cuisine, a live podcast, and a lineup of panels and performances highlighting the state's booming creative and tech economies. The inaugural New Mexico House attracted over 2,800 registrants, 19 sponsors, and more than 30 speakers across 9 panels. Following the event's success, organizers confirmed that New Mexico House will return in 2026. Catch a glimpse of the energy and excitement in this highlight reel from the event.
"New Mexico is a leading player in innovative research and tech, creative media production, and celebrating its different cultures. SXSW brings in over 400,000 attendees to Austin from all over the world, and is a perfect place to showcase our amazing state," said Eric Renz-Whitmore at the City of Santa Fe Office of Economic Development, "We felt honored to help tell New Mexico's story to this international gathering of leaders and tastemakers."
On the creative front, Steve Graham, Director of the New Mexico Film Office, led a talk on qualities that have made New Mexico one of the top locations in the world for film and TV production. He highlighted the state's competitive tax incentives, growing studio infrastructure, and expanding appeal to major film studios and game developers.
Rachel Lee, CEO of Artisans of Nations, moderated a storytelling panel featuring Kati Murphy, Vice President of PR and Communications at Meow Wolf (the Santa Fe-based immersive art company), that gave the audience a taste of New Mexico's artistic flair. Joined by local creatives Def-i (a hip-hop artist) and CQ the Drummer (a Grammy-winning percussionist), the group explored the intersection of art, music, and technology that defines New Mexico's culture. From the blending of Indigenous hip-hop and electronic music to the collaborative community that produced Meow Wolf's world-renowned art experiences – attendees saw how New Mexico's rich heritage fuels distinct vision.
On the business and tech front, sessions highlighted the economic opportunities and "wins" for New Mexico. In an investor panel discussion, venture capitalists and founders explained why they view New Mexico as a land of opportunity for entrepreneurs, citing the state's supportive business climate, strong research institutions, a growing talent pipeline, and real momentum building across industries such as energy and advanced materials. Attendees also learned about New Mexico's array of business incentives – from tax credits to grant programs – that are attracting companies to the state and discovering why more founders and established companies are expanding into New Mexico.
"Attending the New Mexico House was a tremendous ROI for my startup – I connected with a marketing firm that will support our upcoming product launch," said Alonso Indacochea, CEO at Volver Health, "Expanding our network outside of New Mexico is important to our long-term success, and the New Mexico House at SXSW created that opportunity. We're grateful to have been part of it."
The inaugural New Mexico House was made possible by a coalition of public and private sponsors. NMEDD served as the leading sponsor, in partnership with the City of Santa Fe Office of Economic Development, Los Alamos-based UbiQD, the New Mexico Startup Alliance, Builders VC, Phoenix Venture Partners, and others.
New Mexico House will return as an annual event during SXSW. Plans are already underway for 2026, with New Mexico aiming to bring an even larger delegation of innovators, artists, and entrepreneurs to Austin.
About New Mexico House
Established in 2024, New Mexico House is an organization focused on showcasing New Mexico's innovation, culture, and entrepreneurship while creating value for stakeholders and sponsors. Through panel discussions, live performances, interactive exhibits, and networking opportunities, New Mexico House aims to tell New Mexico's stories and facilitate greater visibility for its people and industries in fields like tech, energy, film, and the arts.
For more information about New Mexico House and future events, visit nmhouse2025.com.
Media Contact
New Mexico House, New Mexico House, [email protected], nmhouse2025.com
SOURCE New Mexico House
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