Numerous testimonies from former employees and current students of Icônes art schools (ESMA, ETPA, Réseau Ecoles Créatives) paint a picture of a toxic work environment characterized by authoritarian management, unfair dismissals, belittling of sick leave, public humiliation, and a stressful, competitive atmosphere. These accounts, shared on social media platforms like Instagram’s "Esma balance tout," detail harassment, lack of empathy, and insufficient support.
While Icônes contests the accusations as defamatory and highlights initiatives such as psychological support and scholarships, the school has launched an internal HR audit by the Pisan firm. The audit, including an anonymous questionnaire, aims to assess the work environment, with results expected by April 30th. The article questions whether the schools need to improve their practices to better address student well-being.
A former Icônes executive suggests the complaints may stem from a generation overly focused on emotional fragility, while Icônes’ management attributes dissatisfaction to the inherent challenges of a highly selective, demanding program. The recurring themes—harassment, burnout, isolation, and fear of retaliation—however, raise concerns about the schools' overall management culture and pedagogical methods.