Call for Music: The 4 Seasons of Rhode Island 

For the Regan Unit, Eleanor Slater Hospital, Cranston. R.I. 

Organized by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) through the Allocation for Art for Public Facilities Act.  

 

Overview: 

Introduction: 

 

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA), in partnership with Eleanor Slater Hospital, is soliciting original music for inclusion in a slideshow installation at the Regan Unit. This project is funded through the Allocation for Art for Public Facilities Act, which mandates that 1% of all state capital construction and renovation funds be allocated to the acquisition of artwork for public spaces. Through this program, the State recognizes that… “art creates a more humane environment, one of distinction, enjoyment, and pride for all citizens.” 

 

About Eleanor Slater Hospital and the Regan Unit (from the hospital's website) 

Eleanor Slater Hospital (ESH) is a public Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH) with campuses in Cranston and Burrillville. ESH is operated by the State of Rhode Island’s Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH). The hospital treats patients with acute and long-term medical illnesses, as well as patients with mental health conditions. 

ESH provides a treatment environment in which dignity, individuality, and respect are emphasized. 

In addition to diagnosis and treatment, the hospital focuses on issues of recovery and quality of living. We are dedicated to using a patient, family, and interdisciplinary-centered approach to our care. 

Our focus is on recognizing each patient’s individuality and their right to dignified and high-quality care. 

The Regan Unit is a psychiatric division of ESH. The building is undergoing a complete renovation for modernization and to meet anti-ligature standards. This involves designing spaces and selecting products to minimize the risk of self-harm. ESH serves psychiatric patients of all acuity levels. Every patient has a discharge plan, and some are transferred from the Roosevelt Benton Division to Regan as a step down in acuity level.  

People who use this facility include patients, family members, visitors, staff, service providers, and contractors. 

About this Call  

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) invites composers and musicians to submit original instrumental music for The 4 Seasons of Rhode Island, a curated digital slideshow installation at Eleanor Slater Hospital, Regan Unit. This project will provide patients with a calming, art- based alternative to standard television programming within activity and therapy spaces. Selected musical works will accompany seasonal imagery by Rhode Island photographers to create immersive, seasonally inspired slideshow experiences. 

Selected music should support a calm and therapeutic environment through ambient, atmospheric, or otherwise soothing instrumental compositions. Vocal music will not be considered. 

A total of 10 musical works will be selected. To ensure broad representation, each composer or collaborative group may submit one musical work only. Submitted pieces should reflect one of the four seasons of Rhode Island (winter, spring, summer, or fall) and must not exceed 10 minutes in length. Both original compositions and excerpts from longer works are eligible.

Selected composers will receive a $1,000 honorarium for the licensed use of their music. Artists retain copyright ownership of their work; RISCA will receive a non-exclusive license to use the music as part of this project at Eleanor Slater Hospital, Regan Unit only. 

Estimated Timeline: 

Project Theme and Intent  

The panel met on May 6, 2026 and determined that the primary goal of the project is to create a calm, steady, and emotionally supportive listening environment for patients within hospital activity and therapy spaces. Selected music will accompany seasonal Rhode Island imagery as part of a looping slideshow installation at Eleanor Slater Hospital, Regan Unit. 

Artists are encouraged to submit instrumental compositions that feel gentle, atmospheric, and consistent in tone. Ambient music, minimal compositions, acoustic instrumentation, soft electronic textures, and subtle environmental or nature sounds are welcome. 

Submissions should avoid vocals, spoken word, abrupt transitions, harsh or piercing sounds, aggressive percussion, or highly energetic musical passages. Music should maintain a relatively consistent mood throughout the piece, avoiding dramatic emotional shifts or sudden changes in tempo or volume. 

The panel is seeking work that supports relaxation, reflection, and comfort for listeners in a healthcare setting. 

Music Guidelines 

The panel encourages submissions featuring: