High Concept Labs

High Concept Labs (HCL) strengthens the creative sector by providing accessible residency programs for artists across disciplines interested in experimentation, discovery, exchange, and risk. Through these residencies, HCL meets artists where they are while promoting visibility for the creative process and advocating for critical investment across every stage in the development of new work. HCL has supported over 200 artists and artist collectives to develop new work since our launch in 2009. We exist to build a vibrant, artist-driven ecosystem that encourages experimentation and collaboration. In 2022, HCL teams up with Monira Foundation in joint residency at Mana Contemporary. Monira Foundation is a non-profit organization led by Executive Director Ysabel Pinyol Blasi which programs at two locations operated by Mana Contemporary in Chicago and Jersey City. Through this joint residency, Monira Foundation provides HCL with advocacy and fundraising support, as well as documentation funds, accessibility technology and services, and secures our studio at Mana Contemporary. In addition, HCL and Monira Foundation jointly strategize and apply for applications, and starting in 2023 will support two additional HCL Artists in Residence.