MINDPOP and Texans for the Arts are pleased to welcome Anthony Brandt and David Eagleman, authors of The Runaway Species: How Human Creativity Remakes the World, for an evening of conversation and learning around the topics of creativity and the human brain.

Following the conversation, there will be a book signing and an opportunity to chat with the co-authors, along with light refreshments.

Sign interpretation will be available.

Texans for the Arts empowers artists, arts leaders, committed supporters and citizen activists. Together we amplify our powerful voices to increase both public and private resources for the arts, building strong, dynamic and creative communities across Texas.

MINDPOP is a non-profit consultancy and incubator that connects individuals, organizations and community with the insights, tools and resources needed to increase student access to the arts and the benefits of creative learning.

MINDPOP’s Distinguished Lecture Series is made possible in part with the support of the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department, Applied Materials Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

About The Runaway Species

The Runaway Species is a deep-dive into the creative mind, a celebration of the human spirit, and a vision of how we can improve our future by understanding and embracing our ability to innovate. Anthony Brandt and David Eagleman seek to answer the question: what lies at the heart of humanity’s ability―and drive―to create?

Our ability to remake our world is unique among all living things. But where does our creativity come from, how does it work, and how can we harness it to improve our lives, schools, businesses, and institutions? Brandt and Eagleman examine hundreds of examples of human creativity through dramatic storytelling and stunning images in this beautiful, full-color volume. By drawing out what creative acts have in common and viewing them through the lens of cutting-edge neuroscience, they uncover the essential elements of this critical human ability, and encourage a more creative future for all of us.

Praise for The Runaway Species:

“A lively exploration of the software our brains run in search of the mother lode of invention… The Runaway Species is beautifully produced, illustrated and written. It sweeps the reader through examples from engineering, science, product design, music and the visual arts to trace the roots of creative thinking to three key mental skills: bending, breaking and blending.”
‑ Nature

“With the pleasing pace of an extended essay, the book offers surprises and insights at every turn, and the authors argue convincingly that basic strategies inform most creative behavior. . . . Essential—and highly pleasurable—reading for anyone who cares about ideas and innovation.”
‑ Kirkus Reviews (starred)

“Art and science converge in this beautiful collaboration. . . . Divided into three parts, this inquiry covers a complicated set of connected topics in an engaging and surprisingly accessible way. . . . Packed with vivid images, countless examples, and fun facts that will leave readers eager to discuss it with friends, this is a refreshing and thought-provoking book that captures both the wonder of science and the beauty of the human spirit.”
‑ Booklist