Successful Charity Auction Organized by Colas Foundation in Support of Apprentis d’Auteuil
On October 2, Colas Foundation auctioned part of its contemporary art collection, giving these works a new life and transforming their artistic value into a driver for solidarity.
The auction, organized with the support of Hôtel Drouot, the Art Valorem auction house, Isabelle Lefort (a member of the Foundation’s Board), and attended by Harry Roselmack, aimed to raise funds for the Apprentis d’Auteuil Foundation.
A Result Beyond Expectations
Out of the 82 paintings put up for sale, 78 found buyers — an impressive success that helped raise nearly €350,000, which will be entirely donated to the Apprentis d’Auteuil Foundation to finance its “Les Arts pour Apprentis d’Auteuil” program.
This initiative is fully aligned with the Foundation’s mission. Formerly focused on art, Colas Foundation has, since 2022, been supporting projects that promote the social and professional integration of young people through education, training, and access to employment — but also through economic activity, sports, and culture.
Notable auction results included:
Après l’Orage (1981) by Claire Tabouret, sold for €78,000
Untitled (1956) by Lee Bae, sold for €52,000
Funding the "Les Arts pour Apprentis d'Auteuil" Program
All proceeds from the auction will go to the “Les Arts pour Apprentis d’Auteuil” program, which uses artistic and cultural practices as tools for education, social connection, equality, empowerment, and integration.
In concrete terms, the funds will support various initiatives led by the Apprentis d’Auteuil Foundation within this program, including:
- Prep’Art Project – Villeurbanne (69)
Designed for young people aged 16 to 29 who are isolated or have dropped out of school, this six-week program helps them reconnect with education, employment, or a life project. Each session revolves around a central theme (Transformation, Breaking the Walls, Awakening…) and includes creative workshops such as drawing, photography, sculpture, radio, theatre forum, and film.
Through this experience, participants regain self-confidence, develop soft skills, and reconnect with others. The project also contributes to their mental health by breaking isolation and fostering social and civic engagement. - “Discovering Creativity” – Bouguenais (44)
Targeted at young adults aged 18 to 30, often with few qualifications and limited social connections, this program supports their integration through entrepreneurship. Using a hands-on, creative approach (sculpture, modelling, moulding, casting), participants develop essential entrepreneurial skills such as creativity, project management, autonomy, perseverance, collaboration, and solidarity.
Each session concludes with a public exhibition of their work, often hosted by partner companies, helping participants build self-confidence, showcase their talents, and move forward in their professional and personal journeys. - “Personal Development Through Art” – Angers (49)
Aimed at vulnerable young adults aged 18 to 30 facing multiple barriers to employment (social, cognitive, financial, judicial, etc.), this five-month program uses slam poetry as a form of artistic expression and personal growth. Through writing and performing, participants turn their life experiences, sometimes painful, into creative strength.
The process strengthens literacy and communication skills while building self-esteem and confidence. The journey culminates in a public performance, a true moment of recognition and empowerment, where participants share their voices and stories.
This initiative marks a new milestone in the collaboration between Colas Foundation and Apprentis d’Auteuil Foundation, long-standing partners through the Pro’pulse program, which supports young people in accessing apprenticeships.
