The Chicago Performance Community Survey Survey Report is a summary of the data and commentary collected from 93 artists including dancers, theater artists, musicians, creative producers, art educators, performance artists and more–including many working experimentally and across disciplines.

This was a quick check-in of local artists in response to recent and ongoing shifts and losses within Chicago’s performance ecosystem. We’re now ready to share what we learned!

During an age in our country and in our city when we need to be able to imagine a better future, the arts are essential. I have witnessed this firsthand as an intern at High Concept Labs…

What do the words “experimental” and “conceptual art” bring to mind? Perhaps you are thinking of a banana duct-taped to a wall, or Duchamp’s iconic urinal. For many, this sort of work feels defiant, overly intellectual, or elicits no response at all…

After eleven fruitful years at Mana Contemporary, HCL will be departing its Mana-based studio in May 2025.

The exploration of High Concept Labs' future strategy began with engaging artists, audience members, supporters, and other stakeholders through a community survey, focus group, and a series of planning sessions that included members of the HCL staff, board, and Artistic Advisory Council. In these conversation with our community, we clarified the following core strengths of HCL…

HCL warmly welcomes and celebrates the 2025 HCL Fellow Artists in Residence:

Bradford Chin
Tirtza Even
Christopher Knowlton
Haruhi Kobayashi
Carissa Lee

High Concept Labs announces a fundraising campaign to establish a board-designated cash reserve. These funds, dedicated to the long-term stability of the organization, will be an essential financial tool for the organization. This fundraising campaign follows the celebration of HCL’s 15th Anniversary, and is a crucial marker in the organization’s development.

We are 68% to our goal of raising $125,000 by December 31, 2024. We need your help to close the gap. 

High Concept Labs & Unfolding Disability Futures Team Up to Present Art/Access Labs

Year-long celebration will feature artist events, programs, and showcases across Chicago.

The HCL Anniversary Campaign seeks to raise $125,000 in recognition of 15 years of advocacy for experimental, conceptual, and genre-defying artistic projects. This campaign will enable the longevity of High Concept Labs and our mission of strengthening Chicago’s creative sector through accessible residency programs.

We want to know about you!

High Concept Labs (HCL) announces the 2024 Artists in Residence: Bradford Chin, Christopher Knowlton, Haruhi Kobayashi, Carissa Lee, and KT Shivak.