As we approach the 2024 Presidential election and the ensuing months that could once again endanger the peaceful transfer of power, the american vicarious presents Fight for America!—a live, immersive, and participatory art installation that explores the gamification of American politics by placing you in the events of January 6th. Centered around a 20-player tabletop wargame, the installation emphasizes the necessity of your active and informed participation in democracy and challenges you to consider our role in maintaining its stability.
Opening on January 6, 2025, Fight for America! invites participants to reflect on the urgency of deescalating political tensions in an increasingly divided landscape, while underscoring how the win-at-all-costs game mentality furthers the extreme polarization in American politics, threatening the nation’s foundational ideals.
In Fight for America!, you and 19 other players enter a room to find a 1:64 scale model of the U.S. Capitol Building, measuring 14 feet wide and 5 feet tall.
Surrounding the Capitol are 10,000 hand-painted 28mm miniature protestors, while 2,000 Capitol Police figures stand guard at its entrances.
You and your fellow players are divided into two teams, Red and Blue, and are briefed on the rules of the game.
In the first round, the Red team advances their figures towards the Capitol, while the Blue team decides to deploy tear gas. A roll of the dice determines the effect on the advancing group's morale, and the referee announces the outcome.
Suddenly, smoke fills the room. The Fight for America has begun!
“The peaceful transition of power is what will separate this country from every other country in the world."
- George Washington
To get a behind the scenes look at Fight For America! and stay up to date on progress and where game play will take place, be sure follow FFA! on social.
