HCL Strategic Plan Centers Visioning, Sustainability, Space, & Capacity
Premiere of Allen Moore: Solar Eulogy (December 2024). Photo by Ry Thiel.
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:
Kinnari Vora and collaborators enjoy a shared meal after a rehearsal at the HCL Lab.
Maggie Bridger | Scale (April 2023)
Meredith Haines performs at Fusion (December 2023) | Photo by Mikey Mosher
Long-Duration Residency
HCL’s full-year residency program, with the opportunity for a return for a full second year, is deeply valued by artists as an indispensable resource within the arts ecosystem. The extended nature of the program, and the commitment of sustained support, allow artists to immerse themselves in their creative processes and develop ambitious projects.
Commitment to Experimental and Interdisciplinary Work
HCL’s dedication to experimental and interdisciplinary work creates a distinctive space for artists to push boundaries, explore innovative practices, and collaborate across disciplines, fostering a dynamic and evolving creative environment.
Dedicated Support
HCL provides strong, focused support to its artists, ensuring they have the resources and guidance necessary to succeed in their projects. This commitment to individualized attention and care is integral to HCL’s value.
Access and Inclusion
HCL excels in prioritizing access and inclusion, ensuring that a diverse range of artists can participate in its programs. The integration of virtual options allows for wider engagement and impact.
Prioritizing Emergence
HCL places a strong emphasis on prioritizing emergence, fostering an environment where new ideas and practices can evolve organically. This approach encourages flexibility and adaptability, creatively and administratively, in responding to the changing needs of the artists and the community.
With these organizational strengths as a foundation, HCL’s Strategic Plan articulates a roadmap, key milestones, and objectives for the next three to five years based on the following dimensions:
2025-2028 Strategic Plan: Four key Dimensions
Convening of Chicago's Disabled Artists, December 2023 | Photo by Mikey Mosher
Vision Definition
Recognizing a quickly shifting Chicago arts ecosystem, HCL will clarify the organization’s vision and unique position within the residency and artist support ecosystem in order to be responsive to the current and future needs of the artists and audiences we serve.
Corey Smith performs at Experimental Station, December 2023
Strategic Space Development
HCL is leaving their current Mana Contemporary-based studio in May 2025, and will utilize the latter half of the year to research facilities and partnerships in order to reestablish HCL in a dedicated space capable of providing a collaborative and stable environment for artists to thrive.
Building Internal Capacity
Informed by the organization's vision and venue, HCL will define a sustainable program model, backed by appropriate staff and infrastructure to enable the work of the organization to flourish.
Alumni gather for a 15th Anniversary photo, September 2024 | Photo by Phil Parcellano
Financial Sustainability
An expanded business model, inclusive of earned revenue streams and diversified funding sources, will build a more robust financial foundation to ensure HCL can thrive well into the future.
These four areas of focus will provide clear direction for the organization, prioritize areas for growth, and guide the necessary operational, financial, and programmatic adjustments required for long-term success.
This project was made possible with grant support from DCASE with facilitation support by The Practice Consultancy. For questions, comments, or additional details about HCL’s strategic plan, please contact Angee Lennard, Managing Director.
