For nearly 15 years, High Concept Labs has enabled artists across genres and disciplines to incubate new ideas, discover new approaches to making, and build new skills. We have championed over 300 artists and collective projects through providing no-cost studio space, funding, and professional documentation, along with tailored curatorial, development, and marketing support.

Through this work, we have learned that artists need a platform to share developing projects, test ideas, and gain perspective on their work through conversation. This is where HCL’s Open Labs come in.

High Concept Labs (HCL), a Chicago-based arts service organization and artist incubator, announced today that Aquil Charlton has joined HCL as its new Artistic Director. He joins HCL Managing Director Angee Lennard in a co-leadership position with the organization.

Aquil is a creative and visionary leader who leverages his experience as a teaching artist, consultant, and co-founder of artist collaboratives to make positive contributions in Chicago communities and the arts sector. His leadership in community-based cultural and youth development work have been recognized by Aspen Institute, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 3Arts, Northwestern University, and Yale University. Aquil is also an independent musician, rapper, songwriter, DJ, producer, and was an HCL Sponsored Artist in 2018.

HCL Welcomes New Staff

Photo by Sharvani Killarni

High Concept Labs announces today the upcoming departure of its Artistic Director, Yolanda Cesta Cursach Montilla.

HCL’s 2023 Winter Picnic, our annual residency welcome gathering

Photo by Tara Ahern

High Concept Laboratories (HCL), a Chicago-based arts service organization and artist incubator, announces 2023 Artists in Residence: Sofía Gabriel del Callejo, Helen Lee, Regina Martinez, Allen Moore, and avery r. young.

Applications for the 2023 Artist in Residency (AIR) program will remain open until Sunday, October 9th, 2022 [11:59 PM CST]

Save the Date

Applications open August, 16, 2022 for the Artist in Residency (AIR)

High Concept Labs Announces 2022 Artists, Fellows, and Partners in Residence

High Concept Labs Announces 2021 Resident Artists Across Three Redefined Programs