Photo by Kristy Sparow
Pharell Williams is advocating for the reintroduction of arts competitions at the 2028 Olympic Games.
The Associated Press reports that the 51-year-old’s goal is to revive the tradition that halted 80 years ago.
The hitmaker wants the world to put some respect on the arts’ name! Pharrell spoke about reinstating the arts competitions back on the world’s biggest sports stage at his star-studded Louis Vuitton event on July 25 in Paris. It was held the night before the Games’ opening ceremony.
The designer made an impassioned statement, “We get to remind people that at one point, the Olympics actually had the arts as a section that ran all these competitions.” Williams added, “Sculpture, architecture…visual arts. The idea we get to put the arts back in ….Why not take this moment to bring awareness?”
To some, Pharell’s request may appear odd, but art competitions were first held at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm. There were five categories, including architecture, literature, music, painting, and sculpture. However, the International Olympic Committee ended the competitions in 1948. Four years later, an attempt to bring them back failed.
Big names popped out for P’s ritzy affair. LeBron James, Zendaya, Serena Williams, Snoop Dogg, Anna Wintour, and Queen Latifah pulled up to the Louis Vuitton Foundation building. The ‘Beautiful’ singer described the inside of the event as an “indoor carnival.” He gathered world-renowned artists like KAWS, Daniel Arsham, and Derek Fordjour to create interactive art installations. Tennis, archery, and equestrianism were represented. There were also carnival games at the event. Pharrell reportedly said, “The games will begin on the inside tonight.”
In addition to advocating for the arts at the Olympics 2028, Williams’ event was designed to support Olympic hopefuls. Specifically, the individuals are from 11 different countries, competing for the Refugee Olympic Team this year. He said, “We get to raise money for the other athletes who don’t have the means to get the gear or proper training equipment.”
One thing about Pharrell is he’s gonna advocate for creatives and give to those in need.
Contributions to this article were made by AP writer Jonathan Landrum Jr.
