Dubuque Removes Tarp Covering Five Flags Center Solidarity Mural

City officials in Dubuque directed the Oak View Group to remove a tarp that had been hung over the eastern facade of the Five Flags Center, covering the 2020 ‘Solidarity’ mural ahead of a presidential visit by Donald Trump.

The city of Dubuque ordered the removal of a tarp covering the ‘Solidarity’ mural on the side of the Five Flags Center, according to city officials. The facility is owned by the City of Dubuque and managed by a private operating company, Oak View Group. City officials stated that they were not asked about modifying the building’s exterior and did not authorize the tarp.

Authorization Dispute at Five Flags Center

Oak View Group manages facility operations and rentals at the center. According to Scott Hallgren, General Manager for the management company, the decision to cover the mural originated with the Office of Presidential Advance, the team that organizes official presidential visits. Hallgren told TV9 that the White House intended to use the exterior space for branding and to display a US flag.

City officials disputed any exterior modifications, noting that the facility rental agreement for the Sunday, Nov. 1 event did not grant authority to alter the building’s exterior. Hallgren confirmed that the facility, Oak View Group, and the City of Dubuque never authorized anything to be hung on the exterior wall.

We value and respect what this mural means to our community and to the citizens of Dubuque.

Scott Hallgren, General Manager of Oak View Group

Community Meaning Behind the 2020 Mural

The mural was painted in 2020 on the eastern facade of the Five Flags Center. It features 10 raised fists in various colors, with the word ‘solidarity’ spelled out using letters and symbols on the wrists. When the artwork was commissioned, Dubuque officials stated that the imagery represents all people in the community and underscores the city’s goal of maintaining an inclusive and equitable environment.