Thomas Backer, PhD

Opening Speaker, Friday, May 5 at 6:00pm, Mt. View Mausoleum

Dr. Tom Backer is a psychologist who has spent a lifetime studying the psychology of creativity, and working with creative people and organizations. He’s the author or editor of more than 30 books, on topics ranging from drug abuse prevention to strategies for scaling up social programs. He is on the Board of Directors of the Wende Museum of the Cold War, where he has curated five exhibitions, including Red Shoes: Love, Politics and Dance During the Cold War. He is currently writing a book about artist residency programs. Dr. Backer is a writer-producer of educational films on topics such as disability and mental illness, several of which have won awards in major festivals. He has developed programs on creativity for many institutions, such Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, North Carolina School of the Arts, and Center for Creative Leadership. Dr. Backer also works extensively with nonprofit organizations, and is Senior Fellow at California State University Northridge.