Micro-Lab: «Spaces of Care and Companionship»
For Artists
Migros-Culture Percentage disframe and Claire Cunningham Projects are hosting a micro-lab format «Spaces of Care and Companionship» April 22. - 24.2026. We’re looking via Open Call for 2-3 disabled artists from the three language regions of Switzerland to be part of this micro-lab. In addition to established artists with disabilities, we aim also to engage and invite newcomers.
The different sessions are hosted by other disabled, crip, chronically ill, and neurodivergent artists and some of their long-term creative companions: Luke Pell; Claire Cunningham and Vicky Wilson; Aby Watson and Aniela Piasecka; Raquel Messeguer Zafe and Hattie Gregory.
Each day begins with gentle movement and writing/noting exercises for arrival and reflection, facilitated by Luke Pell.
Over the three mornings, Claire Cunningham leads the workshop “Invitation to Attend”, exploring attention, perception, Crip politics (including Crip time), communication, consent, and the lived experience of disability.
In the afternoon the groups reflect on the days independently facilitated by Luke Pell for the artists and by Nadja Dias and Saphir Ben Dakon for the art workers.
In tandem, a small, dedicated group of arts workers from the cultural/creative sector in Switzerland will participate in a bespoke workshop with Saphir Ben Dakon (from disframe) and Nadja Dias (Claire Cunningham Projects) on anti-ableist, disability led/informed artist support & producing practices to consider how we can host artists in order to co-create and support spaces of care as companions of disabled artists, using our roles as culture workers, as alleys, to do so.
Application
If you are interested being part of the Space of Care and Companionship lab, please respond with an expression of interest in written, audio or video format until the 16th of March 2026 to disframe@mgb.ch.
Please respond with an answer to the following question: Why is care and companionship important for you artistic practice and share something from your practice (a video, image, or piece of writing).
Please also share your access rider or your access needs.
The available places are limited and will, among other factors, be assigned to ensure a balance between language regions.
In addition to established artists with disabilities, we aim also to engage and invite newcomers.
We will decide by March 23th who can participate in the lab.
- Language: English
- Dates
22th April (all day)
23th April (all day)
24th April (all day) - Host Venue: Gessnerallee Zürich, Gessnerallee 8, 8001 Zürich
- Compensation:
300 CHF/ day, travelcosts (national)
Support for overnight accommodation costs can be provided if needed.
A vegan/vegetarian Lunch will be provided each day. - Access:
The spoken and written language of the micro-lab is English.
Swiss German Sign-Language upon registration.
Wheelchair accessible.
Support for assistance available. - Group size: 10 people max.
- Additional information:
Detailed programme
Detailed information
Workshop Invitation to Attend: Claire Cunningham, Vicky Wilson
Exchange format dramaturgy & facilitation: Luke Pell
Exchange format Artists: Aby Watson und Aniela Piasecka; Raquel Meseguer Zafe und Hattie Gregory
Production:
Nadja Dias (Claire Cunningham Productions)
Laeticia Blaettler (Moin Moin Productions für disframe)
Photo credits: ©Almuth Elhardt, Un-Label Performing Arts Company
With thanks to Gessnerallee Zürich for their support.
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