Social Experiment

presented by Word of Warning and Contact –

Social Experiment

–

About Social Experiment

Social Experiment is a gathering at Contact for anyone interested in Live Art and contemporary performance to meet, chat, and try ideas out…

A free and informal, semi-regular evening event with the next on; Thursday 27 November, with 2026 dates to include Thursday 19 February (a Queer Contact Edition), 9 April and 11 June 2026.

A unique chance for artists and audiences alike...

If you’re a Greater Manchester artist— this is your chance to test out a short performance, intervention, or durational work, in front of an informal audience.

If you’re an audience member looking for something a little bit different — this is your chance to take a few risks and meet some artists in our social experiment.

Artists

Artists for July included: 

Ben Hodge - @benhodgeee

James Moss-  @jamesmossart

Leah Stone - @leaholiviafayestone

Rachel Smith - @rachthesmith

Shahireh Sharif - @sangrezeh

Xhi Ndubisi - @anotherdiasporan

 

NB participating artists are announced about a week before each event — the call for proposals is open on a rolling basis at socialexperiment.posthaven.com

Thu 27 Nov 2025 → Deadline Wed 12 Nov 2025, 12:00
Thu 19 Feb 2026 → Deadline Mon 2 Feb 2026, 12:00 (Queer Contact Edition)
Thu 9 Apr 2026 → Deadline Mon 23 Mar 2026, 12:00
Thu 11 Jun 2026 → Deadline Mon 25 May 2026, 12:00

Find out more about the full programme and each piece here: wordofwarning.org/socialexperiment

Past Artists

17 July: Ben Hodge · James Moss · Leah Stone · Rachel Smith · Shahireh Sharif · Xhi Ndubisi 

5 June (Student Edition): Amelia Grace · Dana Potter · GIN Niemtus · Isla Webster & Gabrielle Kaufman · Oscar Dickson · Will Oliver

22 May: Ben Hodge · Bitterroot · Joely Mae Greally & Jasmine Naila Burt · Julie Burrow · Lizzy Owen · Paper People Theatre · Secret Location Theatre Company

6 February: Harley Keasey · J. Edgar Staubsauger · Rachael Gooch · Ray Bubbles · plus special guests Malandra Jacks

See images from these events.

Age Advisory

16+ (aimed at adults, parent/guardian/carer discretion)

Content Warnings

Some works may involve interaction and/or participation; specific warnings will be listed about a week before each event and can be seen here.

Access

Works will occur on Contact’s step-free ground floor in Space 0 and/or bar, and will vary in format — they could be immersive, participatory, roaming, seated, standing, spoken word, visual, etc.

Credits

Social Experiment produced by hÅb; supported by Contact and using public funding by Arts Council England.

Dates & times

  • No Need to Book

  • No Need to Book

  • No Need to Book

  • No Need to Book

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