Between publication and performance

Dear visitors to Gessnerallee, dear artists

On 22 and 23 November, the north wing and Stall6 will be transformed into an open forum for contemporary publishing: this year's volumes art publishing fair will take place at Gessnerallee. The two-day fair brings together independent publishers and self-publishing artists from all over the world. Books, zines and other experimental print formats will be on display and for sale, accompanied by games, interactive exhibitions and performances on the theme of art publications. Admission is free.

And for those who want to experience a different, more physical form of storytelling on 21 and 22 November: in ‘La Tendresse du ventre de la baleine’ by acclaimed Lausanne choreographer Géraldine Chollet, the audience is enthralled by eight dancers and the rousing music of Zurich-based DJ MÂNAA and guitarist and singer Billie Bird. Inspired by the biblical myth of Jonah, Chollet creates an exhilarating evening of dance, music and togetherness.

Anyone who speaks French or likes to use DeepL will find three articles on Chollet's highly acclaimed new creation below: an article from ‘24 Heures’, an article on ‘La Tendresse du ventre de la baleine’ from RTS and a video clip from the same channel.

Secure your ticket now. It's definitely worth a visit.

Now for the weekly overview of the programme, newspaper articles, news and everything else we want to share with you:

Programme

16 November, 4 pm

‘RECLAIMING GRIEF’ by Teresa Vittucci, Jessica Huber, Veza Fernandez, Edwin Ramirez, Nele Solf, Sarah Sternat, Elizabeth Waterhouse

As part of an artistic research project on the theme of grief, the artists open the doors of their studio and share their questions and practices with visitors. Admission is free. More information

21 and 22 November, 8 pm each evening

‘La Tendresse du ventre de la baleine’ by Géraldine Chollet

Captivating dance, pulsating music and a sense of security. In this new work by Lausanne-based choreographer Géraldine Chollet, prejudices and entrenched ideas are charmingly outwitted. Tickets

22 and 23 November, from noon until early evening

‘volumes art publishing fair’ by Anne-Laure Franchette, Patrizia Mazzei, Gloria Wismer

A two-day fair for zines and art books, where local and international independent publishers and self-publishing artists who work with small-format production methods present their works. Free admission. More information

26 November, 5.30 pm

‘Peacebuilding between stage and research’ by artasfoundation

Artistic creation in crisis areas faces challenging questions. In the ‘Art in Conflict’ discussion series, various actors come together to reflect on their experiences. This time with Diana Rojas (director, performer, researcher at the HKB) and Chimène Costa (artistic director, dancer, actress, cultural manager). Admission free. More information

28 November, 9 pm

‘Les Voda’ with Suzana Rozkosny, Stephen Thomas, the weathereye

The Zurich-based trio performs a daring balancing act between psychedelic rock, garage and blues. A concert that is slightly shimmering and film-like, then again gusty, interrupted by the raw power of direct punk attitude. Music as an adventure ride. Admission free. More information

You can find an overview of the 2025/26 programme on our website.

Newspaper

A flop with major consequences (Only in German)

Speaking of publishing: author Nele Solf has written an anecdote about Gotthold Ephraim Lessing for the fifth edition of our newspaper. Lessing was once offered a job he didn't want at all. So he invented the profession of a dramaturge – and anticipated the 'Feuilleton'. A recommended read! Read the article

We look forward to your visit.

The Gessnerallee team