Cincinnati has a plethora of public steps connecting the summits of its hills with the bottoms of its dales. Cincinnati also has an active public arts scene. What better way to marry the two than by using art to enliven Cincinnati’s steps? If anywhere has shown the ripple-effect that public art and its attractive power has on public life, it is OTR. Cincinnati’s public steps need community support now more than ever due to budget cuts at City Hall.
The following photo of San Francisco’s 16th Avenue Tiled Steps has inspired many Cincinnatians on social media to voice their support for beautifying public steps in Cincinnati with similarly beautiful mosaics. The most popular location suggestion in Cincinnati has been the Main Street steps although Cincinnati has no shortage of possible locations. Partnerships with groups like Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, ArtsWave, ArtWorks, Spring in Our Steps, Cincinnati Parks and neighborhood organizations could be formed to address issues of feasibility, fundraising, volunteers, and maintenance once a set of steps is complete.
The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps project was a community-driven volunteer project led by arts Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher. Started in 2003, the project was completed in 2005. More information available at tiledsteps.org
A suggested location for implementation in Cincinnati: The Main Street Steps
Main Street steps comparison, via flickr user mgsmith
Main Street steps, via Derek Jon Scacchetti
Main Street steps, via communitywalk.com
Here’s a photo of the Main Street steps that accompanies a post about them from We Heart OTR:
Main Street steps, via We Heart OTR
View Cincinnati Steps – 1 of 2 in a larger map
If you’d like to get involved or have an idea, leave a comment below. Let’s do this, Cincinnati!
