Residency Programs

High Concept Labs has awarded artist residencies to more than 300 artists and artistic groups across genres and disciplines since 2009, providing an accessible residency environment of experimentation and discovery that supports artists to flourish.

In 2019 we expanded the flagship Artist in Residency (AIR) to year-long support which includes stipends, free studio hours, documentation, curation, grant writing, and marketing

The balance includes up to fifteen artist/collectives supported through the year-long residency: FAR, for returning Fellows, PAR, for partner-sponsored artists, and LabX, for international artists, leveraging resources for up to 20 artists/collectives annually

2024 Resident Artists

2023 Resident Artists


About our programs

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AIR

Artists in Residence

The AIR program is HCL’s flagship, 12-month residency that supports artists to create time-based work. Artists receive stipends, no-cost studio space, and documentation, along with tailored curatorial, development, and marketing support.

LEARN ABOUT OUR APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications for the 2023 season will be announced in summer of 2022.

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FAR

Fellow Artists in Residence

The FAR program invites Fellows of HCL to continue or return after a break since completing their AIR year to further their projects or deepen their practice. Fellows receive no-cost studio space and shared marketing resources, as well as tailored additional support based on the needs of the Fellow and alignment with HCL’s initiatives.

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PAR

Partner Artists in Residence

The PAR program invites artists participating in programs through our valued partners to leverage HCL’s residency resources including no-cost studio space and marketing support.

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LabX

LabX-change Artists in Residence

The LabX program presents opportunities for cultural and international exchange. Artists are curated by invitation and are supported on a unique, customized, and rolling basis based on the needs of each individual project. LabX artists receive stipends, and projects are fundraised for individually to support travel, housing, and/or additional expenses.

HCL has yet to select any LabX artists for the 2022 season.


About the Studio

HCL’s main studio is located on the 4th floor of Mana Contemporary, a multi-arts facility located between Chinatown; Bridgeport, home of a large community of Irish and Central Europe descent; and Pilsen and La Villita, Chicago’s two largest historically Mexican-American neighborhoods. The studio 1,700 square feet, equipped with Marley-faced sprung wood flooring, a 6’ Steinway piano, a PA system and projection equipment. Artists have access to additional onsite storage and the potential to use additional shared spaces at Mana Contemporary for both performance, workshop, rehearsal, and general meetings and administration based on request and availability.

Full inventory and specs are available upon request.

HCL is in joint residency with Monira Foundation at Mana Contemporary.

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Photo Credit: Kirstie Shanley, Hedwig Dance performance at HCL Open House (2018)