Applied-arts tutoring

The Foundation’s first programme (2009) / Helps students from low-income backgrounds gain admission to major art schools

Applied-arts tutoring, the Fondation Carla Bruni-Sarkozy’s first programme, was launched in autumn 2009, in nineteen higher secondary schools from education priority zones throughout France all listed as “beacon schools” by the government plan Espoir Banlieues (‘hope for the housing projects’). The project sets out to help these secondary school children, who are often gifted at sketching or have creative skills underutilised through lack of resources, information or self-censorship, to make the most of their talents.

Over a school year, this programme offers personalised support and guidance to students wishing to pursue careers in the arts, giving them all the support they need to join arts foundation classes or art schools. It works with them in the following ways: exploring the various creative professions (architecture, design, graphic design, layout, landscaping, photography, fashion design); helping to identify the professional pathways and options which most closely reflect their aspirations and skills; organising practical creative workshops to which teachers invite external speakers; laying on monthly theme-based cultural and artistic outings; setting up individual guidance sessions, including visits to post-baccalaureate arts and crafts schools which prepare students for artistic careers; and preparing students for entrance exams or admission competitions for the major art schools.

At the end of the first year of this three-year programme, of the 211 students taught, 27 were admitted to selective higher arts education institutions (ENSAD, école Boulle, ENSAAMA Olivier-de-Serres, etc.).