Tactical Compassion: Rapid Artistic Prototypes for Vulnerable Populations in an Age of Institutional Failure

Public institutions are often reactive, slow, underfunded and incapable of addressing compounding crises (drug poisoning, houselessness, rising costs, harsh environmental conditions). On the other hand, artists working alongside vulnerable populations have developed rapid material solutions. Tactical Compassion, led by social services worker and artist Dan Zimmerman, extends a tradition of artists working within their own communities inspired by figures like Michael Rakowitz’s (1998-ongoing) paraSITE shelters. Co-designed with individuals experiencing homelessness and guided by community-authored research frameworks, this project listens and prototypes alongside community members. In conjunction with others in this panel, Tactical Compassion asks how community rooted artistic practice can counter the isolation of late capitalism.