Twelve Monumental Flags March Through the Iowa State Fair Parade to Pappajohn Sculpture Park: Artist Bob Faust Distributes Participatory Public Art to Downtown Des Moines

The Chicago-based artist’s new initiative Ways and Means Reclaims and Reimagines the American Flag for a More Expansive and Positive American “We”

WHO & WHAT

On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, nationally recognized Chicago artist and designer Bob Faust will present a large-scale public activation of his new participatory artwork, Ways and Means, during the Iowa State Fair Parade in Downtown Des Moines.

The activation will feature twelve large-scale transparent flags carried by dancers, creating a moving public performance throughout the parade route. Each flag pairs aspirational civic values such as Truth, Compassion, Respect, and Freedom, inviting viewers to reflect on the ideals that connect communities. Grounded in the belief that national symbols can evolve alongside the people they represent, the initiative offers a vision of patriotism rooted in shared democratic values, civic participation, and a more inclusive American “we.”

Near the end of the parade route at Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the dancers will also distribute hundreds of free wearable bandanas derived from the flag designs, encouraging attendees to become active participants in the project rather than simply spectators.

Developed as a mobile public artwork rather than a permanent installation, Ways and Means is designed to travel into civic spaces where people naturally gather, transforming familiar celebrations into opportunities for dialogue, reflection, and collective participation. The Des Moines activation is presented with support from Good Chaos, Johalla Projects, and Taskforce.

WHEN & WHERE

Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

Start Time: Parade begins at 6:15 PM and concludes in the early evening.

Route: Starts at the State Capitol Complex, heads west on Grand Avenue, and ends at 15th Street. Learn more about the parade here. Following the parade, dancers will continue carrying the flags into and around Pappajohn Sculpture Park, located just off the parade path at 1330 Grand Avenue in downtown Des Moines. Performers stationed at and around the Nomade, Spider, and White Ghost sculptures will distribute bandanas to the public while the flag bearers circulate through the park.

Place in Parade: 85th.

MORE INFORMATION

Faust debuted Ways and Means during Cincinnati’s Northside Fourth of July Parade on July 4, 2026. Additional initiatives and opportunities for participation to be announced in the coming months.