A short story about us

The three of us share a deeply troubling observation: many talented artists give up before they even begin—not for lack of creativity or willpower, but because they lack a launching pad. These are often powerful, sensitive individuals with unique and vital stories to tell, yet they are held back by an environment that prioritizes minimal risk and already well-trodden paths.

According to a study conducted in 2023 by the collective Artistes en Transition, more than 68% of young artists surveyed reported having abandoned or paused a project due to a lack of financial or logistical support. Even more alarming: 54% said they didn’t feel legitimate enough to apply for open calls, believing such programs were “not meant for them.”

It is this feeling of isolation, silent precarity, and self-doubt that we are fighting against through Mains à l’œuvre. The problem isn’t a lack of talent—it’s the lack of first-time opportunities, those foundational experiences that allow an artist to bring a project to life, connect with an audience, develop a sense of identity, and above all, say: “I am legitimate.”

What we offer is not just a residency—it’s a springboard structure: a laboratory for artistic emancipation. We want to give these artists the chance to realize their first visible project—the one that will serve as their calling card to producers, gallery owners, institutions, or record labels. This key moment is often decisive in an artist’s journey.

And it goes far beyond administrative or technical support. It’s about rebuilding confidence, unlocking self-censorship, and embodying artistic solidarity in the face of a system that is too often competitive, elitist, and exclusionary.

This is the deeply social and political vision of art that we uphold: an art that doesn’t begin in Parisian salons, but on the ground—with the tools we have, the limited resources available, and above all, with people ready to lend a hand.

Why we created the association ?

The team

Karelle Isoardo, founder of Mains à l’œuvre, has dedicated much of her career to social impact. At a very young age, she co-founded APT, a non-profit aimed at bringing people with disabilities together through sports and street art events. She later contributed to the growth of several socially committed organizations, including AIDES, À Vos Soins, and the Simone de Beauvoir Center.

Driven by a desire to combine artistic expression with social inclusion and urban culture, Karelle launched Mains à l’œuvre. Clara Yvard and Marie Bouadjenak soon joined the project to help coordinate artist residencies. Their diverse and complementary backgrounds allow both residents and members to benefit from a holistic approach—creative, human, and professional.

Clara is a documentary filmmaker. She directed a film for France Télévisions exploring urban cultures between Detroit (USA) and Roubaix (France). She also develops cultural initiatives to support emerging artists. Marie has worked as a producer at La Bise au Chat and has contributed to several productions, with experience in both production management and assistant directing.