By promoting encounters between volunteers and isolated people around works of art, the "Les apARTés" project not only helps to combat solitude, but also gives senior citizens an active role in the cultural conversation.
The Art Explora Foundation is a public-interest foundation whose mission is to make art accessible to as many people as possible. Through innovative initiatives – particularly involving mobility and digital technology –, it fosters encounters with art for audiences who are most distanced from it, driven by the belief that art is a lever for emancipation, integration, and social cohesion. Launched in care homes during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown – and since rolled out to many other facilities – the "Les apARTés" project aims to combat isolation in vulnerable people, particularly the elderly. It offers artistic encounters led by trained volunteers, with the aim of re-establishing links between senior citizens, culture and society, using art as a powerful catalyst for inclusion and well-being.
The support provided by the Audemars Piguet Foundation for Common Good contributes to the expansion of the regional branches of Art Explora. It enables the development of the project in 10 additional cities each year, helping to reach a growing number of beneficiaries. This strengthened territorial presence is a key driver in the rollout of the "Les apARTés" programme and in broadening its impact, particularly among elderly populations. The Foundation’s contribution also supports the training of volunteers and the creation of educational kits that combine artistic content and practical advice for their work with a variety of audiences.
By encouraging encounters between volunteers and isolated people around works of art, the "Les apARTés" project stimulates discussion, refreshes memories and provides a welcoming space for dialogue. These moments not only combat solitude, but also give senior citizens an active role in the cultural conversation.
