Pharrell Williams has been an advocate for various social and cultural causes throughout his career. This week, he has been vocal about the need to bring back art as a competitive category in the Olympics. Pharrell argues that art is a form of human expression that deserves recognition on the same level as sports.
He believes that reintroducing art into the Olympics would honor the tradition of the Games and provide a global platform for artists to showcase their work. Pharrell's advocacy aligns with a broader movement to elevate the cultural aspects of the Olympics and promote the idea that creativity and artistic achievement are as valuable as athletic prowess.
Art has a unique history in the context of the Olympic Games. The modern Olympic Games, revived by Pierre de Coubertin in 1896, originally had an artistic component. De Coubertin believed in the concept of the "complete human being" and advocated for a union of sports, arts, and education, reflecting the ideals of the ancient Olympic Games.
From 1912 to 1948, art competitions were officially part of the Olympic Games. Medals were awarded in five categories: architecture, literature, music, painting, and sculpture. These competitions were meant to celebrate the cultural aspects of the Olympics and were inspired by the ancient Games, where artistic and cultural displays were integral.
However, the art competitions were discontinued after 1948, mainly due to the professionalization of artists, which clashed with the amateur status required of Olympic athletes at the time.
Even after the art competitions were dropped, the tradition of including art in the Olympics persisted. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) introduced the Cultural Olympiad, a series of cultural events held in the host city during the years leading up to the Games. These events encompass various art forms, including music, dance, visual arts, and theater, and aim to promote cultural exchange and showcase the host nation's artistic heritage.
In recent years, the Olympics have continued to incorporate art through various projects and exhibitions. For example, the Olympic Arts Festival has become a key part of the Games, providing a platform for artists to engage with the Olympic spirit and contribute to the cultural narrative of the event.
While maybe not in our lifetime, we think that Pharrell is starting a movement that may result in graffiti artists have shot at the gold!