Call for Photography: The 4 Seasons of Rhode Island

For the Regan Unit, Eleanor Slater Hospital, Cranston, RI.

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

Introduction:

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA), in partnership with Eleanor Slater Hospital, is soliciting original photography for an 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.

RISCA invites photographers to submit work for The 4 Seasons of Rhode Island, a curated digital slideshow to be installed on the Regan Unit. This project will provide patients with a calming, art-based alternative to standard television programming within activity and therapy spaces. Selected images will be paired with original music by Rhode Island composers to create a seasonally inspired slideshow. 

A total of 40 images will be selected;10 for each season (summer, fall, winter, spring). To ensure broad representation, each photographer may submit one image only.

Selected photographers will receive a $500 honorarium for the licensed use of an image. Photographers will retain copyright ownership of their work. The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts will receive a non-exclusive, perpetual license to display the selected image as part of the RISCA Channel project at Regan Unit for non-commercial use.

Project Theme & Intent.  

The panel met on May 6, 2026 and determined the primary theme of the project is the passing of the seasons throughout Rhode Island’s natural and built environments. The selected imagery should support a calming, meditative atmosphere within a hospital setting.

The panel encourages artists to submit photography that reflects seasonal change through landscape, wildlife, coastal environments, gardens, parks, recognizable landmarks, and other meaningful Rhode Island locations. Familiar and identifiable places throughout the state are encouraged, as recognizable imagery may provide comfort and grounding for viewers.

Submissions should prioritize imagery that is visually soothing, accessible, and emotionally supportive. Bright or calming color palettes are preferred over dark or muted imagery.

Preferred Subject Matter

The panel encourages submissions featuring:

Wildlife imagery is welcome if animals are not depicted as threatening or aggressive.

Urban environments and cityscapes may also be considered where they contribute positively to the project’s calming and recognizable visual language.

Content Considerations & Restrictions

Because this project is intended for a behavioral health setting, artists should carefully consider the emotional tone of submitted imagery.

The panel determined that the following content should be avoided and may result in disqualification:

The panel encourages artists to think about how imagery may support relaxation, mindfulness, serenity, and reflection for viewers spending extended periods within the space.

Artists are welcome to interpret each season creatively, though seasonal distinctions should remain identifiable within the submitted work.