Public Art Commission for Regan Hospital Interior

Rhode Island State Council on the Arts seeks an artist or artist team to create artwork for the newly renovated Regan Unit of Eleanor Slater Hospital in Cranston. The Regan Unit is a psychiatric division undergoing complete renovation to meet anti-ligature standards. This commission has a budget of $160,000 and is open to professional artists residing in the US.

The selected artist will provide: artwork for the first-floor dining/community room (9' high x 38' wide); artwork for one third-floor conference/multi-purpose room (approximately 9' high x 20' wide); a series of wall-hung original artworks for the facility, with imagery to be reproduced in durable material (vinyl wall covering or custom Acrovyn) for seven patient floor activity rooms; and at least one large-scale tree-themed commercial grade stencil for use throughout the facility. All artwork must be 2-dimensional wall-installed works or reproductions meeting anti-ligature standards. Safety of materials and techniques is of utmost priority. Artwork should be calming, peaceful, and soothing, avoiding overly bright colors, graphics, or geometrics. All works will be subject to clinical review for appropriateness and safety, and the artist must be willing to make changes as required. Artists with previous experience in healthcare or psychiatric facilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

At this preliminary stage, submit six images of current work (completed within the past 15 years), a written statement or resume, and references through CaFÉ. There is no application fee. The selection panel will invite three finalists to create site-specific proposals; finalists will each receive a $3,000 stipend. Applications open June 13, 2025, with a deadline of July 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Eligibility is national. Excluded from participation are RISCA Council members, staff, and their family members, as well as Public Art Selection Panel members and their families.