The Colas Foundation Collection Auctioned for the Benefit of Apprentis d’Auteuil
Eighty-two works from its collection, created by leading contemporary artists such as Gérard Fromanger, Peter Klasen, Claire Tabouret, Rafał Olbiński and Costa, reflect a remarkable diversity of perspectives and artistic approaches. The common thread running through this ensemble is the theme of the road, interpreted as a landscape, a link between people, a chance encounter, a place of exile, or a creation of the imagination. Each work explores, in its own way, the notions of movement, territory and connection.
Displayed for three decades within the company’s premises, these works have helped make art accessible to all employees. Since 2022, Colas Foundation has taken on a new mission: to support and promote initiatives fostering the social and professional integration of children and young people through education, training and access to employment, as well as through economic activity, sport and culture.
This initiative, in partnership with Drouot, reflects Colas Foundation’s ambition to combine its two core priorities: youth integration and access to art for all.
“This sale symbolises a handover: from an artistic commitment to a commitment to solidarity. By dedicating this collection to a charitable cause, Colas Foundation brings together culture and solidarity, making art a lever for social integration and transmission”
says Pierre Vanstoflegatte, President of Colas Foundation.
The proceeds of the auction will go to the programme "Les Arts pour Apprentis d’Auteuil", which uses artistic and cultural practices as an educational and social tool, a driver of equality, and a means of empowerment and integration.
Apprentis d’Auteuil is a state-recognised foundation of public interest that has supported young people and families in difficulty for nearly 160 years. Across France, it operates more than 450 establishments and programmes providing care, education, training and integration.
Colas (www.colas.com)
A subsidiary of the Bouygues Group, Colas is a global leader in the construction and maintenance of transport infrastructure and urban development projects. Its activities range from industrial production to project execution and service provision.
With a strong local presence in around fifty countries across five continents, Colas generated consolidated revenue of €15.9 billion in 2024, 59% of which was earned outside France. Backed by 64,000 employees, a network of 2,000 business units operating 3,500 production sites, and nearly 45,000 projects each year, Colas is a trusted partner for its clients.
Colas continues to foster a pioneering, innovative and responsible spirit, building connections between people and contributing to the sustainable development of communities.
