At 37, has always been able to mix humor and commitment. With, the humorist who launched himself in the realization conquered the hearts of the French by highlighting actors with disabilities. But for him, the fight does not stop at the dark rooms. Carried by the success of the film, the latter decided to go further by creating a foundation of the same name. His goal: Offer people affected by mental handicap or neur-development disorder for warm holiday placesfar from often impersonal medical establishments. A large -scale project, which he is already funding in part on his own money.
Artus: its foundation to offer dream places to people with disabilities
which brought together more than 11 million spectatorsArtus wishes to extend his commitment to the cause of disability. This Thursday, January 30, the actor officially launched the Foundation, a little extra thing, whose objective is to build or rehabilitate reception for people with Down’s syndrome, autism and other disorders of Neuro-development.
The idea? Offer warm and adapted holiday homes, far from medical structures often perceived as cold. “Unfortunately, the places that receive disabled people are often a little cold. I want really beautiful, warm places, with beautiful rooms “Artus told AFP. His ambition is to build a first house before expanding the project if the public supports it.
A first investment of 300,000 euros
To give life to his initiative, did not hesitate to get his hands in the pocket. With the help of film producers and distributors, the director brought together a first funding of 300,000 euros. The universe imagined in A little extra thingwhere the characters were staying in an in the middle of nature, was pure fiction. Now Artus wants to transform it into reality by creating Houses with various atmospheres : a mountain chalet, a castle Harry Pottera house by the sea … Its purpose is to allow residents to live immersive and exotic stays.
But the project does not stop there. Also imagine fun and interactive activities, with actors playing roles and stimulating the imagination of residents. “People with mental handicap have the same moods as us, They are sensitive to beautiful, humor, joy“he recalls.
In parallel,: while Marie Colin and Arnaud Toupense participated in the 2025 concert of the Enfoirés. Some are even in discussion with brands for collaborations. With A little extra thingArtus wants to enroll his action over time. “I would like in sixty years, my grandson said ‘I took over the foundation of my grandfather'”he confides, in reference to the heritage of Lino Ventura, founder of Perce-Neige. An ambitious betbut which could well mark the history of engagement for disability in France.
