Pharrell Williams: NYU Tisch School of the Arts artist in residence

NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts has named Pharrell Williams this year’s artist in residence, the institution announced on Monday. The Grammy winner is expected to chat about his career with Jason King, NYU professor and the host of NPR Music’s “I’ll Take You There,” in a discussion to be held later this month.

“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,” Allyson Green, dean of the Tisch School of the Arts, said in a release.

She continued: “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 is currently acting as a judge on the ninth season of NBC’s The Voice alongside Gwen Stefani, Adam Levine, and Blake Shelton. He revealed last month that there could be another N.E.R.D. album on the way as well.

The Q&A event with Williams kicks off Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. ET at New York City’s Town Hall; as of now, it’s only open to Tisch students, faculty, and staff, though NPR Music community members will be given the opportunity to win tickets via social media.