THE INDEX: COPYRIGHT UPDATE, OPEN CALLS IN CHI + NYC

THE INDEX

ON OUR RADAR: COURT RULES FORD MUSTANG ISN’T A COPYRIGHTABLE CHARACTER, NYC ENDORSES LIVING WAGE FOR MUSICIANS, BIG CHANGES IN CHICAGO’S SOUTH LOOP. ALSO: NEO-CON + FULTON MARKET DESIGN DAYS NEXT WEEK, OPEN CALLS IN CHI + NYC.

LAST ISSUE? CATCH UP. SOMETHING HIT? REACH OUT. IF SOMEONE FORWARDED YOU THIS, SUBSCRIBE HERE.

LEGAL + CULTURAL SIGNALS

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

COURT RULES MUSTANG "ELEANOR" NOT COPYRIGHTABLE

The appellate court overseeing Los Angeles and Silicon Valley made a significant copyright ruling by declaring "Eleanor," the Shelby Mustang GT500 made famous in Gone in 60 Seconds, ineligible for copyright protection. Unlike Batman's protected "Batmobile," the court held Eleanor wasn't distinctive enough.

THE FULL OPINION

MUSIC x LABOR

NYC BACKS STREAMING PAY FOR MUSICIANS

NYC City Council is calling on Congress to pass new federal legislation that would require music platforms to directly pay artists for streams. The legislation is backed by a grassroots union which fights for fair pay across the music industry.

MORE COVERAGE

HOUSE MUSIC HISTORY

THE GODMOTHER OF HOUSE

While the internet buzzes post-Movement, take moment to pay proper homage to the legendary Detroit-native Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale. You can stream her live every Tuesday from 12-1 PM EST at deepspaceradio.com or catch her IRL.

30-SECOND HISTORY

URBAN DEVELOPMENT

CHICAGO SOCCER TEAM UNVEILS PLANS FOR NEW SOUTH LOOP STADIUM

The Chicago Fire’s billionaire owner just announced plans to construct a privately funded 22k seat open-air soccer stadium the South Loop’s “The 78” development. This will transform 62 vacant acres along the south branch of the Chicago River. At least taxpayers aren’t footing the bill?

TAKE A LOOK

DESIGN INSPO

A NEW 245FT MURAL APPEARS IN DOWNTOWN CHICAGO

Dutch artist Stefan Thelen is behind the work and created in collaboration with the UN Environment Program.

THE FINAL WORK

CHICAGO NOW

INTERIOR DESIGN

NEO-CON RETURNS TO CHICAGO

No, not neo-con as in neoconservative. Neo-con as in one of the world’s largest commercial design events. Free to register and attend. Most workshops are full but spots remain for some of the artist talks.

JUNE 9 THRU 11 | DON'T MISS OUT

MORE DESIGN

FULTON MARKET DESIGN DAYS

In tandem with Neo-Con, Fulton Market District hosts Fulton Market Design Days, e.g. open studios, pop-ups, and events showcasing Chicago’s design world.

JUNE 8 THRU 11 | MORE DETAILS

DESIGN AT DAYBREAK

GRIND + GROOVES

The New American Design Collective is opening their Fulton Street showroom for a pop-up bringing together studios from across the country. Come see the future of commercial design alongside some caffeine and a live DJ.

JUNE 9 + 10 | 9AM – 12PM | 1052 W FULTON MARKET | RSVP

OPPORTUNITIES + FUNDING

SUMMER GIG

CHICAGO NON-PROFIT HIRING ART EDUCATORS

Free Spirit Media is looking for teaching artists with 0-5+ years of experience to plan and facilitate media arts programs with young pepople on Chicago’s West Side. The senior positions pay $42/hour, 12-15 hours a week.

DEADLINE JUNE 13 | MORE INFO + APPLY HERE

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE

NYC SEEKING 3 ARTISTS FOR PUBLIC ARTS PROGRAM

NYC Department of Cultural Affairs is seeking 3 artists to join a two-part residency program. $40k total. Artists will work with either the Office of Housing Recovery, Small Business Services, or Mayor’s office.

DEADLINE JUNE 30 | APPLICATIONS LIVE

FILM FESTIVAL CIRCUIT

SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN FOR 2026 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL

Deadlines vary by film type, but the earliest begin July 28 and last until Sept 22. FYA: this will be the first Sundance after relocating from Park City, Utah to Boulder, Colorado so we can expect them to pull out all the stops.

DEADLINES VARY | APPLICATION FAQ

HIRING

TWO POSITIONS OPEN WITH PHILLY CULTURAL ALLIANCE

The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance is hiring a Director of Strategic Communications and Director of Development.

*We have a connect at this org so reach out if you apply

OPEN CALL

STORIES OF MEXICAN RAILROAD WORKERS WORKERS

The National Museum of Mexican Art is curating "Rieles y Raíces," highlighting Mexican railroad workers (traqueros) in the Midwest from 1900–1970 (items up to 1990 also considered). They’re looking for personal mementos, artifacts, and photos.

DEADLINE TBA | OPENING NOV 21 | SUBMIT HERE

IF SOMETHING HERE SPARKED AN IDEA, LET’S TALK.

ROLODEX GROUP