PRESENTER: Presenter
Mandi Scott, Economic and Community Development Manager
Tanya Pence, CMO and President - CVB, New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce
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SUBJECT: Title
Presentation of the 2025 Texas Travel Award to Art Haus and Other Local Winners.
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DEPARTMENT: Economic and Community Development
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Art Haus was awarded a 2025 Texas Travel Award for Best Art Festival or Event, along with seven other local events, businesses, and organizations.
Art Haus is a pop-up art market held every First Friday of the month from 6pm to 9pm in the NBU parking lot on Main Plaza. The event showcases a diverse array of emerging and established local artists and artisans, providing them a platform to display and sell their unique creations.
Art Haus, created by local artist Johnny Duncan, first launched in 2015 but experienced a hiatus during the 2020 pandemic. A growing interest for gathering spaces and public art led to a new vision for Art Haus, aligning with the city’s Strategic Plan to enhance the community’s culture and identity. The popular event was relaunched in December 2024 with site improvements made by the City of New Braunfels, program funding and support by the Greater New Braunfels Art Council, and artist/vendor coordination through Johnny Duncan.
The New Braunfels Convention and Visitors Bureau submitted nominations to the awards committee in the Big Market category, which is set by city population. The awards were created by Austin Monthly and Texas Music publishers, with the winners being selected by a panel of five industry professionals.
Other local Texas Travel Award winners include:
- Sidecar at Prince Solms Inn - Best Bar
- Wurstfest - Best Food Festival or Event
- The Sophienburg Museum - Best Museum
- Comal River - Best Outdoor Activity
- Gruene Historic District - Best Shopping District
- Gruene Music & Wine Festival - Best Music Festival or Event
- Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country - Best Texas Resort
For additional information about other 2025 Texas Travel Award winners, please visit: https://texastravelawards.com/#categories <https://texastravelawards.com/>
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☐Enhanced Connectivity ☒Community Identity
☐Organizational Excellence ☒Community Well-Being ☐N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
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