Its program includes touring work along with in-house productions, which are developed through partnerships featuring young artists.

[citation needed] Contacting The World has featured companies from Malaysia, Trinidad, Nigeria, Rwanda, Palestine, Brazil, Poland, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Jordan, Bangladesh, Syria, Iran, South Africa, New Zealand, The Philippines, Nepal, Zambia, Germany, Turkey, the UK and USA.

[citation needed] Contact's distinctive building was designed by architect Alan Short and Associates as part of the venue's 1999 redesign.

[3] Arts Council England contributed £4.5 million toward the building, with matched funding from English Partnerships and land donated by the University of Manchester.

In 2022, the theatre was renovated by Sheppard Robson, to improve energy efficiency and update the grounds while preserving the original design.