The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), in collaboration with Allergan and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc., on October 17, 2016, announced the launch of the Picture My IBS campaign, an initiative aimed at helping individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) express their experience artistically, with the goal of improving patient-physician communication and patient care.
Connecting to the patient experience of life with IBS through artwork is the objective of the campaign. Through the campaign and artwork submissions, Picture My IBS seeks to engage, connect, inspire and motivate the IBS community to speak openly with their physicians about the impact of their symptoms. The campaign’s purpose is to encourage patients and their physicians to communicate more openly about IBS management and treatment strategies.
Picture My IBS Art Gala
The College launched the campaign via the Picture My IBS Art Gala during its 2016 Annual Scientific Meeting in Las Vegas. The gala featured previously
collected original artwork depicting the impact of living with IBS. The artwork remained on display at the meeting through October 18.
“IBS is not a condition that is easy for people to talk about – the Picture My IBS campaign allows patients to express the impact symptoms have on their life through the artistic medium 
of their choice,” said Dr. Brian E. Lacy, Co-Editor-in-Chief of The American Journal of Gastroenterology and a judge, along with Eamonn M. M. Quigley, MD, MACG, for the Picture My IBS art contest. “The College recognizes Allergan and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals for their collaboration to bring the Picture My IBS campaign to life. ACG’s goal is to help physicians better understand the serious impact IBS can have on patients.”
The gala buzzed with visitors for the two hours it was open. The art display and the accompanying stories had a profound effect on many visitors. Gala attendees and those in the IBS community shared their reactions on social media by including #PictureMyIBS in their posts.
About the Art Contest
Moving forward, the focus is on encouraging IBS patients to visit the Picture My IBS campaign hub – PictureMyIBS.org – to submit their own original artwork for a chance to win a trip for two to New York City.
To learn more, see samples, review the contest terms and conditions, and find out how your patients can submit original artwork, please visit PictureMyIBS.org. The deadline for submissions to the contest is February 28, 2017.
ACG gratefully acknowledges Allergan and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals for their partnership support of the “Picture My IBS” campaign.