About the Open Call

Social Experiment is a free and informal, semi-regular evening event at Manchester's Contact venue. It provides a platform for artists to test ideas in front of an informal audience. The focus is on Live Art, specifically short performances, interventions, or durational work. The event is produced by hÅb and supported by Arts Council England. A specific edition on Feb 19, 2026, will be a 'Queer Contact Edition'.

What is Offered

Honorarium per piece to cover fee and expenses: £100 for a solo, £175 for a duet, £250 for a trio, £325 for a quartet (maximum pay is £325).

Requirements

Priority is for Greater Manchester and North West based artists. Works must fit within the Space 0 dimensions (13m x 7.6m, including audience). The event is not suitable for dance duets, group dance, or large physical performance groups. Selected artists must be available for a one-hour get-in on the day of the event.

How to Apply

Complete and submit the online proposal and monitoring forms. Include links to video and images of previous work (YouTube, Vimeo, or WeTransfer) within the proposal form or via email to socex@habmcr.org.