Simon Beaulieu
EY Canada
Partner – Consulting, financial services sector leader for Québec
It was with some astonishment but extreme pride that I agreed to be honorary president of the 2023 edition of the Vendu–Sold benefit auction organized by Les éditions Esse. Contemporary art, a realm of subtle emotions, stands out for its ability to weave lasting ties between us and our environment, to provoke us to ask profound questions, and to quench the thirst for change that lies dormant within us. It pushes us to challenge established precepts, defy accepted norms, and chart a course for a more open, more conciliatory future. By supporting Esse, I humbly nurture the ambition to participate in spreading fundamental messages that help society evolve.
At the heart of the 14th edition of the auction are more than forty works, each conveying the artistic essence of a creator. Each of the selected artists has a unique voice, a singular perspective that they aspire to share with the world. Their creativity expresses their inextinguishable source of inspiration, and serves as a constant reminder of society’s great diversity. Each work offered for sale in this auction represents an opportunity for growth, success, and, above all, recognition for our talented local artists.
As the auction is online and open to collectors from all over the world, it also offers many of these artists an exceptional opportunity to shine on the national and international scenes. By lending a hand to these talents, whether emerging or already established, I feel immensely honoured to play a role in promoting artistic diversity and individual expression.
In closing, let’s remember that in these times of economic uncertainty, when many budgets allocated by governments and corporations to culture and philanthropy are being squeezed, artists need our support more than ever. Together, let’s open our hearts, cultivate generosity, and undertake to support our artists financially, so that their creative genius will continue to light up our lives with its incomparable brilliance!
Biographical note
Simon Beaulieu is a seasoned financial industry professional who enjoys connecting people and investing in new businesses. A devoted collector of contemporary art, he is the proud father of five children brimming with life. Professionally, Simon is a partner in consulting at EY Canada, where he serves the financial services industry by working with banks, insurers, and asset managers across the country, notably by supporting them in their journey of transformation to meet the challenges of tomorrow.