Pharrell Williams announced the Yellow Ball, an event which will raise awareness and support for arts education in American public schools, in a partnership with American Express Platinum earlier this week.
The singer personally named the ball, choosing yellow because he sees the color as optimistic and hopeful, according to a press release. The Yellow Ball will take place in the Brooklyn Museum in New York on September 10. All ticket proceeds will benefit the Young Audiences Arts for Learning, and American Express is also gifting the organization $1 million.
The organization’s rating on Charity Navigator is 82.25 out of 100.
Musical performances at the event will include headliner Missy Elliot alongside A$AP Ferg and DJ Stretch Armstrong. Visual artist Daniel Arsham will create a multi-room art experience for guests within the museum.
Additionally, French chef Dominique Crenn will provide a multi-course dinner. The chef is a recipient of two Michelin stars for her restaurant, Atelier Crenn, in San Francisco.
The National Endowment for the Arts commissioned research that links students’ participation in the arts to higher academic performance. The study also demonstrated a connection between that participation and increased community service, lower dropout rates, and higher standardized testing scores.
Williams thanked his own teachers in the announcement, Mr. Warren, Mrs. Warren, and Mr. Sharps, for his success. He also stressed the importance of keeping arts and music “accessible to all, where it belongs” in schools nationwide.
A limited edition yellow Platinum Card, which Williams designed, will be available to guests who are existing primary U.S. Consumer Platinum Card Members. Yellow Ball tickets start at $1,000 and can be purchased here.
