CREATIVE CONTROL

COOGLER FLIPS THE IP SCRIPT

What Ryan Coogler just pulled off could shape how studios handle IP for years to come. For Sinners, he secured final cut, first-dollar gross, and a 25-year reversion clause that will return him full rights. It’s virtually unheard of in an era where studios hoard IP.

In the 70s, George Lucas worked the system differently. He gave up his director’s fee for Star Wars to retain sequel and merch rights, then built Lucasfilm around it. That deal became a multibillion-dollar empire. But it relied upon a legal landscape where studios hadn’t yet wised up to the value of IP.

Coogler negotiated in a different world. He arrived at the table with billion-dollar box office receipts and the weight of Black Panther’s cultural legacy behind him. Where Lucas leveraged a blind spot, Coogler leveraged proven success within a system that now guards IP closely. Different eras, different playbooks. But the real lesson here is knowing how to use that leverage at the negotiation table.

READ THE COOGLER AND LUCAS WAYS

ADTECH

GOOGLE FOUND GUILTY IN MONOPOLY CASE

A federal judge ruled that Google illegally monopolized the ad tech stack by using dominance in publishing and exchange to block competition and lock in control. This opens the door to structural changes in how digital advertising works. If you're building visibility online then you're already navigating a system Google controls, from ad pricing to how traffic moves. A shift here could mean new rules, platforms, and a chance to compete on different terms. Google plans to appeal.

GET COVERAGE OF THE RULING

SOCIAL VERSUS CONTENT

“WE’RE NOT A SOCIAL NETWORK”

Meanwhile, in the ongoing federal trial over Meta’s alleged monopoly, a former TikTok exec told the court it isn’t a social platform, but an entertainment product built around content. This undercuts Meta’s defense, and helps the government’s argument that Meta dominates the social networking market. For creators and digital businesses, this outcome could reshape how content is ranked, monetized, and discovered.

READ THE TRIAL RECAP

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

NO COPYRIGHT FOR THE MACHINE

The US Copyright Office clarified work generated entirely by AI is not eligible for copyright. To qualify, the creator (ie, a human) must contribute original, creative expression through editing, arrangement, or substantial transformation of AI output. Simply prompting or accepting raw machine results isn’t enough. If you’re using generative tools, know that only work reflecting your own creative decisions will get protection.

HERE’S THE OFFICIAL REPORT

CREATIVE ECONOMY

ARTS + CULTURE SECTOR OUTPACES THE REST

New federal data shows that the arts and cultural sector grew at more than twice the rate of the overall US economy between 2022 and 2023. The sector added $1.2 trillion to the economy last year and accounted for 4.2% of total GDP. From museums and music to design, publishing, and digital media, creative industries continue to drive major economic value.

GET THE WHOLE STORY

EXPO ART WEEK

SOUTHSIDE NIGHT

Kicking off EXPO Art Week with extended hours, performances, and artist-led programming across Hyde Park and Bronzeville. Participating venues include the DuSable Museum, Hyde Park Art Center, South Side Community Art Center, Arts + Public Life, and more. A free shuttle connects all sites. Highly recommend stopping at Blanc Gallery for Futurescapes: Ecowomanist Worldbuilding.

TOMORROW, APRIL 22 | 5–9 PM | FULL LINEUP

EXPO ART WEEK

ART AFTER HOURS

Dozens of galleries keep their doors open late for one night only, with openings, performances, and receptions across the city. Standouts include Faheem Majeed at DOCUMENT, presenting new sculptural works rooted in material memory and institutional critique + Jonathan Worcester at 65GRAND, ​​whose show transforms the gallery into a continuous horizon of precision-built paintings. 

APRIL 25 | 5-9 PM | FULL AGENDA

ARTIST TALK

QUEERING ZAPATA: SCANDALS, HEROISM + MACHO CULTURE

Step out of the EXPO fray for this discussion on iconography, gender, and cultural resistance. The National Museum of Mexican Art welcomes art historian Luis Vargas-Santiago to break down the controversy around La Revolución, Fabián Cháirez’s queer portrayal of Emiliano Zapata in heels. Learn how this representation blew open conversations on sexual dissidence, national pride, and curatorial power in Mexico’s most prestigious cultural spaces. 

APRIL 25 | 6 PM | REGISTER HERE

DO NOT MISS

LICENSING BASICS FOR CREATIVES

If you're selling work, hosting events, or teaching classes in Chicago, you may need specific business licenses, even for one-off gigs or pop-ups. This free webinar walks through what's required to stay compliant, how to apply, and what to avoid. Covers sole proprietorships, special event permits, zoning issues, plus how licensing applies to artists, performers, and cultural workers.

APRIL 30 | REGISTER NOW 

RESIDENCY

STUDIO ACCESS FOR ARTISTS WORKING IN METAL, CLAY, OR FIRE

Steel Yard’s Micro Residency offers rolling access to studio facilities, equipment, and peer support for artists working in ceramics, blacksmithing, welding, and jewelry. Includes technical support and integration with an industrial arts community. Based in Providence, Rhode Island.

ROLLING DEADLINE | APPLY NOW

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY

DCASE 2025 PROGRAMMING OPEN CALL

The City of Chicago is accepting proposals for music, dance, and theater performances at DCASE-managed venues and festivals. Open to artists, ensembles, and presenters.

ROLLING DEADLINE | SUBMIT HERE

OPEN CALL

“WHAT IMMIGRANTS BRING”

Agitator Gallery invites submissions for a group exhibition centered on heirlooms, displacement artifacts, portraits, and personal narratives. Curated by Ramin Takloo-Bighash. Seeking: visual art, cherished objects, photography, music, and live/video performance.

DEADLINE APRIL 30 | SUBMIT HERE

FUNDING

$20K GRANT FOR US-BASED SCULPTORS

The Jonathan and Barbara Silver Foundation offers a $20k grant to one sculptor whose work demonstrates clarity, originality, and material commitment. For mid-career artists working with ambition and clarity.

DEADLINE MAY 31 | DETAILS HERE

MURALISTS

ABBEY MURAL PRIZE

Grants of $10-$40k for artists creating or restoring permanent public murals in New York City. Open to individuals and teams. 

DEADLINE MAY 2 | MORE INFO

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

“HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT”

An international open call for photographers working with subtlety, perception, and unseen narratives. Winners receive $1-5k + a feature on Playbook’s global platform alongside curated editorial coverage.

DEADLINE MAY 9 | MORE INFO + SUBMIT

CIVIC x CULTURE

CHICAGO’S NEXT POET LAUREATE

Continuing the legacy launched by avery r. young in 2023, Chicago is now accepting applications for its next Poet Laureate. The role brings poetry into public life on transit, in schools, and across neighborhood, all while amplifying Chicago’s distinct creative and civic voice. Open to writers, performers, + educators with deep ties to Chicago communities.

DEADLINE MAY 29 | APPLY HERE

GRANTS

CALIFORNIA ARTS COUNCIL

Applications are open for 11 public grant programs supporting creative work across California. Includes funding for individual artist fellowships, arts education, creative youth development, reentry through the arts, and community impact projects. Awards range from $5-50k.

DEADLINE JUNE 5 | APPLY HERE

PUBLISHING

PUBLISH AN ARTIST BOOK ON BANNING, ERASURE, OR CULTURAL MEMORY

The 2025 XENO PRIZE offers $5k to produce an artist’s book confronting the politics of censorship and loss. Open to US-based artists working in performance, conceptual practice, or publishing.

DEADLINE JULY 4 | MORE INFO