There’s about to be a lot of “Happy” people at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. The man in the big brown hat, aka Pharrell Williams, has been named artist in residence for 2015.
The performer, songwriter, producer, designer and entrepreneur kicks off his residency with a town hall event in midtown Manhattan Oct. 26. According to an NYU press release, the event will be moderated by NPR Music host Jason King, an NYU professor.
“We are thrilled to welcome Pharrell Williams as our artist in residence for the 50th anniversary year of the Tisch School of the Arts. Pharrell is just the kind of artist and entrepreneur that many of our students aspire to become. He is remarkably gifted, and he graciously uses his talent for the good of others,” said Allyson Green, dean of the Tisch School of the Arts. “Our students and faculty will have the unique opportunity to be in conversation with an artist whose work is an inspiration and widespread. Pharrell has demonstrated a commitment to education in communities across the country. He’s dedicated to raising awareness to climate change, and he has taken ‘happiness’ from the stage and screen to people around the world through his work with the United Nations.”
Williams’ career has taken him from music to fashion and even movies. He was the executive producer on the film Dope, which received rave reviews at the Sundance and Cannes film festivals. Williams also revealed last month that there could be another N.E.R.D album on the way as well.
The town hall event takes place Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. at New York City’s Town Hall. The event is only open to Tisch students, faculty and staff, but NPR Music community members will be given the opportunity to win tickets via social media.