Kiss*lab | Event Description

Exploring intimacy through the senses

This event is not about learning to kiss better, it is about creating a space for exploration and experimentation around engaging with others and communicating through physical closeness and, perhaps, kissing. Along with the bodily aspects related to kissing, we will also explore culture-specific forms of kissing, such as greeting kisses or kissing the back of someone’s hand. Even just the conscious act of drawing near, smelling, and sensing the presence of another person can be incredibly exciting and challenging at the same time.

Therefore, we will consistently guide and support the participants through various encounter games. The idea is to come together with various partners for brief exercises that can gradually become more intimate. Through these changes, it becomes possible to experience individual encounters differently than in everyday situations during, for example, flirting or greeting rituals. This event wants to focus on kissing and bring it back to the sensory experience in the moment. That is why it also aims to remove kissing from ritualised greeting encounters and sexual contexts. Just like dancing includes physical contact and bodily communication, drawing closer with our lips and using our sense of smell are forms of interpersonal communication. Yet, the value of this form of interpersonal communication is largely underrated and the practice is confined solely to couple sexuality and the realm of dating.

Structure, guidance, and support during the event

The format of the event provides a beginning and an end. Before the beginning and after the end participants will be provided with time to adjust themselves and the event instructors will guide them into and out of the event space. Two people will lead the event, and a support team will be there in case of any questions or need for emotional support. A retreat space where participants can withdraw from interactions will also be available. There is no pressure to kiss, nor is there a guarantee that kissing will take place. Participants must be open to brief interactions with others, regardless of their perceived gender, age, ability, and appearance. Remember, this is not an explicitly sexual space, but a space part of a collaborative project between art and social science research.

All exercises are invitational, and participants may opt out at any time. Participants will be asked to negotiate all interactions carefully and attentively to ensure a consensual process.

The session involves light movement, at times role-play, and (always optional) physical interaction. The facilitators will foster a respectful, non-judgmental environment attentive to differences such as age, gender, mobility, physical constitution, neurodivergence and participants’ experience. The event will be carefully framed through clear instructions, thoughtful facilitation, regular reflective check-ins, and breaks for participants.

A different kind of collective experience

The goal is not to set people up with one another, but to open our senses for a few hours full of experiences, impressions, and encounters. This is a different kind of collective experience. Rather than dulling our senses with alcohol and other substances, we will explore heightened awareness, attune to one another, stay present, explore our senses, and consciously reconnect with ourselves afterwards.

During the event names do not matter and we invite you not to introduce yourself. This is intentional: we want to create a space where we encounter one another beyond names, roles, and the labels we usually carry. You are invited to meet each other on a more immediate, physical level – as present bodies sharing a moment, rather than as identities to be introduced. Let yourself be simply there, without the need to explain who you are.

Encounters after the event take place in a new space – do not treat it as an extension of the event space. Please check-in and make sure that getting in contact after the Kiss*Lab is consensual.