The MS Plus Virtual Art Show provides people living with neurological conditions the opportunity to express their creativity and connect with others through art.
The MS Plus Virtual Art Show, now in its 19th year, provides people living with neurological conditions an opportunity to express their creativity and their unique experience of MS through art.
Entries are now closed. A virtual exhibition of all artworks will be hosted on the MS Plus website from Tuesday 20 May.
We know that art can be a therapeautic tool that helps to connect the mind and body — helping people living with chronic conditions identify and express their feelings, to better manage their condition and improve their daily life.
Whether you identify as an 'artist' or just enjoy creating, this is your chance to slow down and take a moment to explore your inner world.
There is no theme for submissions this year. You may choose to represent your journey living with a neurological condition or your artwork may simply be your outlet and a way to improve your mental health — you are limited only by your imagination!
To help inspire you and explore the benefits of art as therapy, we are hosting a special online workshop with Art Therapist Louise Weston. Register below!
Please note: we will not be accepting AI generated artwork.
People living with MS, their carers and those with other progressive neurological conditions are eligible to enter. All types of artworks can be submitted, including paintings, illustrations, sculptures, craft, digital artwork and photography. Please note: the art show is open to MS Plus clients only. By submitting your entry to the MS Plus Art Show you agree to be registered as a client with MS Plus. If you have any concerns or queries please reach out to our Plus Connect team: 1800 042 138 or email [email protected]
Each year one of the artists participating in the MS Virtual Art Show will receive the prestigious Barry Allen Art Award. The late Barry Allen was a man who loved painting and received great comfort from his interest in art and music.
We also have a dedicated prize for carers. Friends, family and carers of people living with MS or other neurological conditions in NSW, ACT, TAS and VIC are welcome to enter.
The full range of awards and prizes on offer include:
The ceremony to announce our 2025 awardees will take place virtually on Friday 30 May, in recognition of World MS Day.
Please note: we cannot accept video submissions. All artwork must be submitted in high res (min 2MB) JPG or PNG format.
In 2025, we welcome the return of our judge, Northern College of the Arts & Technology Program Leader, Tracy Paterson.
Tracy has worked as an art and design educator for post compulsory students at NCAT Folio Preparation for over 15 years. During this time she has taught broadly across the creative arts including in Graphic Design, Photography and Photo-Imaging, Illustration, Visual Arts, Life Drawing, Communications, Visual Literacy, Studio Drawing and Digital Design.
Congratulations to the winners of our MS Virtual Art Show for 2025, officially announced on Friday 30 May for World MS Day.
The Barry Allen Art Award: Chasing Mountains with a Disability by Leon Waldhuter
Highly Commended — Painting: It's all in her Head by Laura Trapnell
Highly Commended — Drawing/Illustration: Suitcases by Gwen Rodgers
Highly Commended — Sculptural/Craft Artwork: Delicate Fortitude by Olivia Tahen
Highly Commended — Digital Artwork and Photography: Can't catch me now by Deanna Renee
Carers Award: Discussion by Debra Hornby
Carers Award Special Mention: Sea Monster Ari Benedetti
The complete folio of artworks from all our 2025 entrants are now proudly on display! This year we had almost 100 talented artists submit 200 pieces of work for you to enjoy.
In 2024, 58 people submitted 88 pieces of artwork, all exploring this year's World MS Day theme: 'It Takes a Village'.
Congratulations goes to:
The Barry Allen Art Award, winner: Robert Barnes ‘Long View from a Long Hill’
Paintings/Illustrations, winner: Peter Spies: ‘Inter Connectivity’
Special mention: John Ellison ‘Bridge’
Sculptural/Craft Artwork, winner: Rikki Butinar ‘Village Offering’
Special mention: Jade Warner ‘My School in the Depths’
Digital Artwork and Photography, winner: Deanna Renee ‘Healing Isn’t Linear’
Special mention: Annie Probert ‘It Takes a Village’
Carers Award, winner: Summer Archilles ‘Reaching for Help’
The 2023 art show featured 171 beautiful, skillful works submitted by artists who are living with MS or another neurological condition and carers. The artwork included paintings, illustrations, sculptures, craft, digital artwork and photography.
Each year one artist will receive the prestigious Barry Allen Art Award. The late Barry Allen was a man who loved painting and received great comfort from his interest in art and music.
The virtual award ceremony took place on Tuesday 30 May in recognition of World MS Day.
Congratulations to our talented award winners:
The Barry Allen Art Award was presented to Aimee Rowland for 'The Girl I Once Knew.'
Highly Commended Paintings/Illustrations awarded to Happy Autumn by Jana Morgan
Highly Commended Sculptural/Craft Artwork awarded to The Counsellor by Sally Waterford
Highly Commended Digital Artwork and Photography awarded to Distraction by Stephen Ellis
Carers Award awarded to Seashore by Anne Fritz