HCL Lab Community Access

As part of our commitment to strengthen the creative sector, enable artistic experimentation, and bring artists and audiences together around the creative process, we are proud to offer community access to the HCL Lab.

The HCL Lab is a flexible 1600 square foot studio space equipped with a Marley dance floor, grand piano, and extensive A/V equipment. As part of our mission to promote visibility for the creative process and enable experimentation, discovery, and exchange, we occasionally make this space available to the community beyond HCL Artists in Residence. Through this, we are able to support a broad range of projects that resonate with HCL’s mission and lift up Chicago artists, art, and creative culture. Priority is given to HCL alumni. 

The HCL Lab is well suited for rehearsals, workshops, trainings, meetings, and small scale public performances. The space is best positioned to support a wide range of performing arts including but not limited to movement, dance, puppetry, music, sound, new media, and multimedia. This flexible mixed-use space can be transformed to meet a wide variety of needs, ranging from a seated concert to an immersive installation.

  • All studio access requests, including sponsored and alumni reservations, must include time for set-up & clean-up. 

  • All studio users must provide a Lobby Greeter, who will be stationed at the entrance of Mana Contemporary to greet guests. 

  • Mana Contemporary provides elevator service for all guests in the building and maintains the shared spaces throughout the building, including restrooms. Administrative fees take into consideration that HCL will incur costs when Mana Contemporary provides additional staffing for elevator operation and janitorial services.

  • Except in the case of select alumni reservations for private rehearsals, HCL will always provide onsite staff for all reservations. 

  • Reservations includes access to tables, chairs, light duty rolling cart, and a ceiling-mounted projector. Use of other equipment may be available on request, at the discretion of HCL.

  • Reservations are not confirmed until a signed agreement and full payment has been received. 

  • All reservations require a Certificate of General Liability Insurance.

HCL is able to host artists and activities beyond our Artist in Residency program through requiring modest administrative fees ranging from $20/hour (Alumni private rehearsals) to $150/hour (for-profit public events). We offer reduced fees for non-profit organizations, artists or artist groups, and HCL alumni. HCL is occasionally able to help raise the visibility of an event while absorbing the financial risk associated with traditional venue rental through providing event sponsorship.

To receive a rate, or request consideration for sponsorship, please fill out the form below. We strive to respond to all inquiries within a week. 

Portable Dance Floor

HCL also has a portable dance floor available for short-term rental. The dance floor is tongue & groove assembly. Each panel is 4’x8’, and we have 15 panels available.

Fees are based on the number of panels needed and the duration of the rental. Please email info@highconceptlabs.org to inquire.