DAAP’s Step Up to Art project draws media coverage to highlight public benefit

A University of Cincinnati research project, out of the College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP), enhances public stairways and is designed to encourage the community to get outside, explore their neighborhood and improve health.  

On Sept. 23, 2023, a team of researchers and volunteers – led by Kate Bonansinga, professor and director of the DAAP School of Art and Muhammad Rahman, a DAAP assistant professor of design – celebrated the refresh of two public stairways in Cincinnati’s CUF district: the Ohio Avenue steps and the Fig Alley Steps.

Both stairways received a make-over with new signage, and the Ohio Avenue step risers  now don a mural, called “Ghost Garden”.

The refresh was a collaboration between UC, the City of Cincinnati and the non-profit “Spring in Our Steps”, led by Christian Huelsman, a UC/DAAP alum.

Read the UC web story

Local media coverage included:

WXIX/Fox 19:  New mural comes to Ohio Avenue

WCPO/Channel 9:  Two Staircases Given New Look, featured on the Spring in Our Steps Vimeo platform 

Featured image of Ohio Avenue stairway mural by UC Marketing + Brand/Andrew Higley