WVXU: Do murals impact a city's economics, quality of life?
UC researchers embark on study of how public art impacts vitality and commerce
Urban design researcher Hyesun Jeong was interviewed by WVXU regarding a new research project that will look at how murals impact vitality and commerce in five US cities, including Cincinnati.
Hyesun Jeong, assistant professor in UC’s School of Design. Photo/provided.
Jeong, an assistant professor in DAAP's School of Design, received a grant from the National Endowment of the Arts (DEA) to expand on her prior research of murals in downtown Cincinnati.
“We tend to just neglect the impact of art and focus more on the buildings and forms," she states, explaining that prior research found increased foot traffic where public art is located such as in Over-the-Rhine which has 55 murals.
According to the article, officials tout the impact of large arts events like four-day mural and light festival BLINK — which they say drew an estimated 2 million people and created $126 million in economic impact in 2022.
Jeong will use geolocation data and field studies to determine how all types of public art influences cities. Public art can be murals, statues, museums and the like.
Photo of mural in Covington, Kentucky/Lisa Britton/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
Local couple uses royalties from children's books to give gifts to kids in need
December 15, 2025
A local couple has found a unique way to give back to those in need this holiday season. Vic and Laura Troha wrote two children's books together, and this year, they are using the proceeds to buy Christmas gifts for Hamilton County foster kids. The couple are both graduates of the University of Cincinnati's College of Allied Health Sciences and met the day they graduated.
The hottest toys this holiday season
December 15, 2025
Local 12 turned to Lindner College of Business associate professor-educator of marketing Roseann Hassey to explain what’s got the trendiest items flying off the shelves.
Fall grads celebrate their success at commencement
December 12, 2025
The University of Cincinnati recognized more than 2,600 graduates at its fall commencement.