DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) – UPDATE: The city of Dubuque says officials have removed the tarp covering the “Solidarity” mural.
In a statement, the city of Dubuque asked Oak View Group to remove the tarp, and it was removed.
See the full statement:
The City of Dubuque learned this evening that a tarp was hanging off the side of the Five Flags Center. The City was not asked if the exterior of the facility could be modified and did not authorize the installation of a tarp. Five Flags Center is owned by the City of Dubuque and operated by a private management company, Oak View Group. Oak View Group manages all Five Flags Center facility operations and all facility rentals. The facility rental agreement for the Sunday, November 1 event does not include any authority to modify the exterior of the facility. The City ordered Oak View Group to remove the tarp, and it was removed.
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The “Solidarity” mural on the east facade of the Five Flags Center was covered up ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit Sunday.
The mural was painted in 2020 and depicts 10 raised fists in different colors, with the word “solidarity” spelled out in letters and symbols on the wrists.
Scott Hallgren, chief executive of Oak View Group, the operator of the Five Flags Center, said the decision to cover the mural was made by the Office of Presidential Advance.
This team organizes the president’s official visits.
Hallgren told TV9 that the White House’s goal in covering the mural was to create exterior branding and install an American flag.
Hallgren said Five Flags Center, Oak View Group and the city of Dubuque did not give permission to hang anything outside the building.
In a statement, he said, “We appreciate and respect what this mural means to our community and to the citizens of Dubuque. »
In a statement, the city of Dubuque asked Oak View Group to remove the tarp.
When commissioned, Dubuque officials said the image represented all Dubuque residents and clarified the city’s goal of being an inclusive and equitable community.
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