OPEN CALL Pain Lab

Concept

The Pain Lab is a space for artistic research, exchange, and inspiration, focusing on chronic and invisibilized pain (physical and/or psychological). Together with artists from the performing arts who are affected by chronic pain, the lab will explore both the creative and political potential inherent in engaging with personal and collective experiences of pain.

At the same time, the lab aims to serve as a space for community building and networking, where resources can be shared.

Facts

·       Location: Gessnerallee Zürich, Nordflügel

·       Dates: Tuesday, January 27 – Sunday, February 1, 2026 (Rest day: January 29)

·       Workshop Schedule:

• 3 days (Wed, Fri & Sat): 10:00–17:00

• 2 days (Tue & Sun): 10:30–17:00

• Lunchbreak 1.5h and individual breaks always possible

• Room open 30 minutes before and after sessions

·       Max. participants: 8

·       Public sharing: Sunday, February 1, 2026, in the form of a moderated panel talk (participation optional)

·       Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, Covid-safe space (tests provided), rest room available, beanbags available, stimming is welcome, individual pauses always possible

·       Language: Depending on participants, the week will be held in English, German, or bilingually

Structure & Content

The week will include four workshops led by artists who themselves live with chronic pain and incorporate it into their practice:

·       Bodymind Practice led by Naomi Kamihigashi – Movement and Pain

Pain, along with its associated thoughts and emotions, moves through our system with its own fluctuating intensity and rhythm. How can we perceive these movement patterns and harness them as a creative, choreographic force? All movements can be self-determined and individually adapted.

·       Language and Text led by Laura Higson

Language is a powerful tool: How do we describe our states of being? How can the conscious use of language around pain be both gentle and radical?

·       Resting & Quitting led by Angela Alves

How can saying no and resting become forms of politically potent artistic practice?

·       Politics & Pain Activism led by Swassthi Sivasanmukanatha Sarma

How do we expose (internalized) ableism? How can we confront it artistically and activistically in our daily work?

Participation

This open call invites artists working in the performing arts—such as performance, choreography, directing, text, music, scenography, costume, lighting, production management, dramaturgy, etc.

Participants must:

·       Have lived experience with chronic physical and/or psychological pain

·       Be willing and curious to reflect on their pain experiences on multiple levels within the group: emotionally, artistically, through physical movement, and politically

Participation is free of charge.

Application

Interested individuals can apply via E-Mail by October 31, 2025.

Please send a maximum of 1 A4 page with the following to lbproductions.verein@gmail.com:

·       A short statement answering:What is your artistic practice?What motivates you to take part?What kind(s) of chronic and/or invisibilized pain do you bring into the Pain Lab?

·       A brief written bio

·       Your preferred communication language(s) (German, English, or both)

·       Applications in audio or video format (max. 5 minutes) are welcome

Questions about accessibility can be sent in written or audio format to: lbproductions.verein@gmail.com

Selection

You will be notified of your acceptance or rejection by November 15, 2025.

The selection will be made by Lyn Bentschik (Artistic Director) and Pauline Della Bianca (Production Manager).