Open Labs

Deepening the creative process through community exchange

Second Fridays @ High Concept Labs, beginning April 8
Co-presented and produced by High Concept Labs and the Monira Foundation in Joint Residency at Mana Contemporary

Free admission, registration strongly encouraged: Register Here
*Proof of vaccination and masks are required.

Open Labs is a flexible, monthly platform for High Concept Labs’ Artists in Residence to share, test ideas, and develop perspective on their work.

Open Labs #1

April 8, 6pm

On April 8, Choreographer-writer Shalaka Kulkarni and composer-performer Meredith Haines each perform 15 minute excerpts and discuss their work in early development as a part of their HCL residency year.

Shalaka, of India and trained in Classical dance, is firmly situating the female subject on ancestors, deities, and diasporic identities in creating a new solo dance. Meredith, trained in contemporary dance and whose music has been reviewed in New Noise Magazine, leans into hybrid community-based collaborative modes to develop a multi-platform that directly confronts the social stigma of STI’s.

This event coincides with Monira Foundation and Mana Contemporary’s Open House, a building-wide open studio event. Open Labs guests are invited to explore the building, visit with the other artists, experience live programming, open studios, exhibitions, and after-parties.

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More about Open Labs

Open Labs is a flexible platform for High Concept Labs’ Artists in Residence to share, test ideas, and develop perspective on their work.

Each month, two or more HCL Artists collaborate to structure an evening that opens their creative process in meaningful ways through work in progress showings, workshops, panel discussions, immersive experiences, and more. Audiences are invited to witness and share back through moderated conversations that nurture a community rich in cultural, artistic, and intellectual discourse.

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This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, and by a Grant of U.S. Department of Treasury funds through the City of Chicago. The opinions, findings, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Treasury or the City of Chicago.

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HCL continues to be vigilant during the Covid-19 pandemic, and prioritizes the health and safety of its community.

Please be prepared to show a physical or photo copy of your vaccination record of an FDA-or WHO-approved vaccine and booster, along with photo ID.

All guests to HCL at Mana Contemporary are required to wear masks at all times inside the facilities. Be advised that some artists may be unmasked during the performance, but are following the same protocols.

HCL welcomes you for our in-person gatherings; we remain in accordance with City of Chicago protocols including requiring proof of full vaccination against Covid-19 (at least 14 days after final dose) for all artists, visitors, and staff.