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.
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?
Hard 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
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)
Language: Depending on participants, the week will be held in English, German, or bilingually
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.
Information on accessibility and language
The Lab can take place in English spoken language, German spoken language or bilingual, based on the needs of the participants.
The workshop space (Nordflügel) is step-free accessible. Accessible toilets are available. Different options for sitting and lying down will be provided.
The Lab is a Covid-Safer-Space. Test will be provided.
If you have any questions regarding the accessibility of the Lab, please don’t hesitate to contact Pauline Della Bianca (Producer):lbproductions.verein@gmail.com
