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 be announced soon.

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 & 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

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.

Credits

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