THE INDEX: OFFSHORE IP OWNERS SUBJECT TO US COURTS + GRANTS & OPEN CALLS

THE INDEX

WHAT WE’RE TRACKING: OFFSHORE IP OWNERS FACE SOUTHERN COURTS, LACMA SHOWS OFF THEIR NEW LOOK, JEANNE GANG NABS ANOTHER CROWN, AND BLUM’S ONLINE PIVOT. PLUS: NEW GRANT FOR IL ARTISTS, OPEN CALL FOR SOLO SHOW IN LA, + ST LOUIS RESIDENCY

LEGAL + CULTURAL SIGNALS

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

FOREIGN IP OWNERS MUST FACE US LAWSUITS

The Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, covering Georgia, Florida, and Alabama, recently held that a British Virgin Islands holding firm with 60+ American trademarks, must answer an infringement suit in Georgia. By registering and enforcing those marks and letting affiliates sell the branded goods to American buyers, the company invited U.S. jurisdiction.

LACMA BETS 720M ON ZUMTHOR DESIGN

Los Angeles County Museum of Art previewed Peter Zumthor’s concrete ribbon structure spanning Wilshire Boulevard, set to open as the David Geffen Galleries in early 2026. The single-level building cuts gallery space by about 10% while replacing 4 older structures. Supporters praise a park-like flow to house LACMA’s 150k piece collection, while curators question wall space and light control. So, the battle between form versus function rages on.

IMAGES + DETAILS

DESIGN

JEANNE GANG NAMED ARCHITECT OF THE YEAR

AW Architektur & Wohnen named Chicago’s Jeanne Gang its 2025 Architect of the Year. The Art of Architectural Grafting opens next week at Berlin’s Aedes Architecture Forum, Berlin runs through Aug 27. Safe to say Studio Gang remains central to the global architectural discourse.

DETAILS ON THE OPENING

ART BUSINESS

BLUM TO SHUTTER BRICK-AND-MORTAR GALLERIES

Powerhouse gallerist Tim Blum will shutter his Tokyo and LA galleries, laying off most staff, and scrapping its fall New York opening. He will shift to an online-only model after 31 years in the business. The move signals continued contraction at the top end of the market and fresh pressure on West Coast artists.

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DESIGN INSPO

THE NORTHERN SHENGJIN

Studio Precht and W10 Architects unveiled a terraced brick resort at Albania’s northern tip. The project folds a hotel, holiday village, and beach club into as singular, low-carbon structure hugging the Adriatic cliffs, trading glass boxes for earthy curves and rooftop gardens. A live case study in merging eco-tactics with raw creative design.

SEE PART ONE + PART TWO

CHICAGO NOW

DEVELOPMENT

DAMEN SILO DEMO START MONDAY

In a blow to preservationists who pushed to turn the 23-acre riverfront site into South Side festival grounds, demolition of the Damen Silos begins Monday. MAT Asphalt, which bought the property from the state in 2022, will level the 110-foot towers over the next six months. Time will tell what becomes of this riverfront property

THE DETAILS

OPPORTUNITIES + FUNDING

OPEN CALL

ST LOUIS STUDIO + GALLERY RESIDENCY

Kranzberg Arts Foundation seeks visual artists and arts nonprofits for its 2025 residency and exhibition slots. Studio time, housing, and Grand Center gallery space come with the award.

DEADLINE JULY 14 | APPLY

EXHIBITION

SOLO SHOW AT ARTIST-RAN EXHIBITION SPACE

Tiger Strikes Asteroid (Los Angeles) will award one artist a 2026 solo exhibition, plus a $500 honorarium and 1k travel budget. All career stages welcome; under-represented voices favored.

DEADLINE JULY 20 | APPLY

CONTEST

HUDSON DEBUT POET PRIZE

The Hudson Review offers 1k + publication for the winning poet (500 for second and third). Open to writers making their first appearance in the journal.

DEADLINE JULY 31 | SUBMIT

FILM GRANT

AXS ACCESS DOC FUND

AXS Film Fund will award up to 10K each to 5 documentary or nonfiction-new-media makers who identify as having a disability. All project stages welcome; global eligibility.

DEADLINE JULY 31 | SUBMIT

PUBLIC ART FUNDING

ILLINOIS CREATIVE PROJECT GRANT

The Illinois Arts Council just opened a new grant program for artists, nonprofits, and municipalities. Pitch a public show, mural, concert, or short film and receive up to 12k. Apply at least 8 weeks before start date, with execution before Aug 31, 2026.

ROLLING DEADLINE | MORE INFO

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

ROLODEX GROUP