A charitable art auction held in Compiègne raised over 22,000 euros to support educational programs for children working in mines in Madagascar. The event, organized by the local chapter of Partage for Children of the World, featured 72 artists who donated their complete works without receiving any compensation beyond tax receipts.
The third annual auction took place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Saint-Nicolas hall in Compiègne, featuring 98 lots including paintings, photographs, and sculptures. Approximately 50 people attended in person, while an additional 120 potential buyers participated online through Drouot and Interenchères platforms. The entire proceeds went directly to the humanitarian organization without any fees or commissions charged to buyers.
"The artists made a complete donation of their productions, they will only receive a tax receipt," explained Corinne Loverich-Bouchet, president of the association. She spent recent months visiting exhibitions and galleries in Paris and throughout the provinces, carefully selecting works that would appeal to a broad audience before approaching artists about participating in this specific charitable project.
The auction attracted both art enthusiasts and collectors who were motivated by the dual purpose of supporting artists and helping children's education. One buyer expressed her satisfaction, stating: "We participate because it's an opportunity to promote artists and contribute to children's education. Everyone benefits, it gives meaning to the purchase." The diverse selection included works from both local and internationally recognized artists.
The funds raised totaling 22,180 euros will finance educational initiatives, school rehabilitation projects, and distribution of school supplies in Madagascar through close collaboration with local partner ASOS. The initiative specifically targets children as young as five or six years old who are forced to work in dangerous mining conditions instead of attending school.
"This is a sale benefiting children who work in mines. Children aged five or six don't go to school but must work in poor conditions," emphasized Remi Nicolas, delegate of Partage, an organization established more than 50 years ago. According to the association's social media reports, fewer than 4 out of 10 children are enrolled in school, with some villages seeing enrollment rates drop to just 26 percent. Many children, sometimes as young as 6 years old, work in mines instead of receiving an education.
Partage operates through 13 local chapters across France with approximately 30 volunteers working from their headquarters in Compiègne. The organization works directly through local partners in 18 countries worldwide, ensuring that aid reaches the communities most in need. According to organizers, this type of charitable initiative is finding increasing support and recognition in Compiègne, demonstrating the community's growing commitment to international humanitarian causes.
