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 November include: 

Gemma Lees · Gin Niemtus · Howard Walmsley · Matt Rogerson · Nightingale & Sage · The Chubby Northerner · Y Talking Nonsense

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.

Credits

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