Creating an artistic buzz
UC urban design researcher Hyesun Jeong’s research noted in the New York Times
In the past, the public was given access to art in the form of oil paintings hanging on museum walls or marble statues in courthouse halls. Today, however, public art is extended to commercial foyers and the outdoors.
In a New York Times article, the publication states that public art commissions in 2023 totaled $4.4 billion from corporations, cities, airports, hospitals, churches and other organizations.
“Public art has emerged as a key component of urban revitalization,” says Hyesun Jeong, a University of Cincinnati assistant professor of urban design whose public art research study was mentioned in the NYT article.
Jeong recently received a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant to expound on a research project she undertook that was specific to Cincinnati. This research indicates that foot traffic in areas with murals is three times greater than in other areas. She also found that public art in proximity to local commerce and mixed land use is significantly associated with a decrease in violent crime over the long term.
The NEA funded research examines the impact of public murals on street vitality, investigating their associations with foot traffic, crime, and commerce in Cincinnati and other U.S. metropolitan areas.
Featured image of mural in downtown Cincinnati by Jenny Ustick/UC Marketing + Brand.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
‘Designer drug’ shows early neuroprotective signal in acute ischemic stroke
October 28, 2025
Medscape highlighted new trial results led by the University of Cincinnati's Eva Mistry that found an experimental drug shows promise in protecting injured brain cells for patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Meet the young talent reshaping Cincinnati’s startup scene
October 28, 2025
Five University of Cincinnati students were honored for their impactful entrepreneurship on the Cincy Inno Under 25 list. We’ll explain what makes each student – and their startup – stand out.
Is menstrual fluid ‘the most overlooked opportunity’ in women’s health?
October 27, 2025
The Guardian recently reported that period blood has long been thought of as ‘stinky and useless’, but startups are exploring using the fluid to test for a wide range of health conditions — including endometriosis.