Cleveland Selects Artist Ryan Jaenke for Massive Asphalt Art Installation to Improve Street Safety

CLEVELAND, OHIO — Ryan Jaenke, a muralist who has spent more than two decades shaping the visual landscape of northeast Ohio, has been selected to lead a massive asphalt art project in the heart of downtown. The City of Cleveland and Downtown Cleveland Inc. announced the partnership this week, marking a significant step in the city's effort to blend public art with pedestrian safety. The project is funded through the Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Initiative, a program that has seen success in cities across North America and Europe. The installation will focus on the Gateway District, specifically targeting Huron Road and Prospect Avenue between East 4th and East 9th streets. This area serves as a major artery for the city, connecting the historic theaters of Playhouse Square with the bustling sports and entertainment hubs of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and Progressive Field. Jaenke was chosen from a competitive field of artists based on his ability to connect architectural infrastructure with community identity. Safety is a primary driver for the project, which is more than an aesthetic upgrade. According to the Asphalt Art Safety Study released by Bloomberg Philanthropies, these types of ground-level installations have a measurable impact on traffic behavior. The 2022 study found a 50% reduction in crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists across 22 different U.S. projects. It also noted a 27% increase in drivers yielding to pedestrians who had the right of way. Jaenke's proposed design focuses on the Shore-to-Core-to-Shore identity, a concept that highlights Cleveland's geographic relationship with its waterfronts. The project will cover approximately 15,000 to 17,000 square feet of hardscape. By using bold colors and spatial thinking, the artist intends to transform a vehicle-dominated corridor into a civic experience that signals the street belongs to everyone. Rhonda K. Brown, senior adviser for arts and culture for the City of Cleveland, said the work is a form of transformation rather than decoration. She noted that when the city paints the ground, it changes the way residents and visitors experience the urban core. Michael Deemer, president and CEO of Downtown Cleveland Inc., said people-centered corridors are essential for the city's economic momentum and for increasing the perception of safety downtown. The total area of the installation will reach up to 17,000 square feet. Crews are expected to begin the application process as the project nears its estimated completion date in July 2026. -------------------- At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.