Kiss*lab | FAQ

What is the Kiss* Lab?

An artistic research space exploring intimacy, touch, and communication—not a flirting or dating event. Through a variety of interactive exercises, we’ll explore the topic of kissing—from classic greeting kisses to experimental forms of connection. In the process, we’ll open our senses: smell, touch, and the subtle perception of others—sometimes aided by wearing a blindfold. Our team will gently guide you through the exercises. There’s a space to retreat to if you need a break; kissing is not mandatory, and there’s no explicit sexuality.

How many people are attending the event?

There are 40 spaces in total so a maximum of 40 people.

How much time should I set aside for the event

The event will last around 4,5 hours, from 15:00 to 19:30 o’clock on 8th November. Please do your best to arrive well rested so that you have the energy and capacity for new experiences. We also encourage you to allow yourself some time afterwards to process and reflect on what you have experienced.

How can I apply for Participation?

Send us a short video (30–60 seconds) in which you introduce yourself by name and tell us why you’re interested in the kissing experiment.

We will select participants if more than 40 people register. Your information will, of course, remain confidential. More information on how to apply here.

Are there any requirements for participation?

All people age 18 and over are welcome to apply.

Will my video be published?

No, your application video is used solely for internal selection purposes. It remains private and will not be shown publicly.

Do I have to kiss anyone?

No, everything is based on voluntary participation in a calm atmosphere. There’s no pressure, no guarantee of a kiss, and no obligation. You decide for yourself what you want and what you don’t want to do during each exercise.

Why should I take part in the Kiss*Lab event?

The Kiss*Lab is an event that challenges social scripts that tend to confine kissing to romantic/sexual contexts or greeting rituals. These contexts often come with expectations about how people should behave if they want to get a specific outcome or fulfil certain goals. Such unconscious behavioural strategies and patterns tend to put bodily sensations to the background and provide little space to ensure everybody feels good about and enjoys what happens in the moment. Kissing is often treated as a mere step in a strategy that follows a certain script. This overlooks a lot of the pleasure and complexity of the bodily sensations related to the experiences before and during kissing. The Kiss*Lab event offers a space where people can focus on sensuousness and explore that in a playful and respectful way, while receiving guidance and support by the event instructors and volunteers.

What language will the workshop be in?

The workshop is bilingual: German and English. You would ideally be comfortable in at least one language. In case you need some help with communication across these languages during the event, instructors and volunteers will be available to help out.

Is the venue accessible to people with reduced mobility?

A lift is available to access the first floor where the venue is located. The venue is wheel-chair accessible.

What if I feel uncomfortable during the event?

There’s a designated space where you can retreat from participation in the exercises at any time. A support team is also available during the event.

What should I wear?

There is no set dress code, just wear comfortable clothes that make you feel at ease and allow you to move freely. How and to what extent you style doesn’t matter.

Can I bring my friends?

No, participation is on an individual basis. Each person applies individually.

Is it allowed to tell friends and encourage them to sign up?

Yes, you are free to do so. Bare in mind that the point of the event is that you interact with other people so do not expect to be spending most of the time with your friend(s) during the event.

Do I have to interact with people of all genders?

Yes, we ask that you maintain an openness toward all people—regardless of perceived gender or appearance.

What happens after the workshop event?

After the exercises are done, there will be a guided relaxation session after which the event is officially done and you are free to go.

There will be various opportunities and formats for reflecting on your experiences outside the event itself; these will be announced separately. Additionally, a follow-up meeting will be organised, during which researchers will present the outcomes of their projects. The dates will be shared with all participants and announced on the homepage.

How should I prepare?

In the Kiss*Lab, we engage our senses: smell, touch, sight, and hearing. Make sure you are freshly showered and free of strong scents. We aim to encounter one another openly and without masking our individual scent. Your natural body scent is welcome.

Can I drink alcohol or use other substances before and during the workshop event?

No, please come to us sober and clear-headed. We invite you to experience your senses consciously and authentically. Alcohol or other substances would interfere with these subtle perceptions and alter our interactions.

Are there any recommendations regarding makeup and styling?

Less is more: We want to connect through touch, closeness, and natural sensory perception. Heavy makeup can affect the subtle sensations of skin and contact.

Can I participate with my partner?

Yes, couples are very welcome. However, we don’t view the Kiss*Lab as a couples’ event. Our focus is on diverse encounters with different people. During the workshop you’ll participate in the exercises individually and make new connections. This can be a wonderful addition to your shared experience.

Do I have to pay to take part in the workshop?

Yes, we ask every participant to pay a participation fee. The contribution is based on a sliding scale of €15 to €35, depending on your personal financial circumstances. We encourage those who are able to pay the full amount to do so, helping us make participation accessible to people with fewer financial resources while covering the costs of organising the event.

You can find guidance on choosing the appropriate contribution on our registration page here.

What if I feel sick?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a cold or other signs of illness, please stay home and let us know, even at short notice. Taking care of our health help to create a safer space for everyone.

Will I get my money back in case I cannot attend?

If you cancel up to two weeks before the event you will get 100% of your payment returned; up to one week before the event: 50%; if it is less than one week before the event there will be no refund, unless we find a replacement, in which case you will get a 75% refund.

If you cannot attend due to illness and you have a doctor’s note to prove this, you will get 75% refund. Please stay at home if you are infectious.

How is my participation going to be used as part of research?

This depends on the research projects that researchers design. Before the start of the event, you will be informed and asked if you are willing to be filmed, interviewed, or otherwise engaged with for the purpose of research. There are also several reflection and follow up events that are part of the collaborative research process. There is an event planned during which researchers present their research outcomes to the participants. It is possible to take part in this event without taking part in any research activities and you are free to withdraw your consent at any point. Please see our ‘Ethical Statement concerning the Collaborative Research Approach of the Kiss*Lab’ for more details on the research process here.

The most important things at a glance

• Come fresh and with no or minimal make up and perfume: Taking a shower and brushing your teeth help to make the experience pleasant for everyone. Please avoid heavily perfumed products.
• Please stay home if you feel sick. Mindfulness protects us all.
• Please arrive sober and mindful—for clear interactions and open senses.
• Couples and friend groups are welcome, but the Kiss*Lab focuses on diverse encounters and each person has to apply individually.

We look forward to encounter you at the Kiss*Lab!