Founder and Artistic Director for Brownbody
Meet
Deneane Richburg
Deneane uses movement and the physical form to push the boundaries of creative expression to disrupt the narratives around blackness.
“I'm very much interested in creating spaces and experiences where we are able to understand who we are beyond the categories and the ideologies that are typically assigned and described to Black communities.”
Deneane Richburg
Storytelling Through Movement
Founded in 2007, Brownbody combines figure skating, modern dance and theater to tell stories of African-American culture and history.
The donation-based learn to skate program centers blackness in the curriculum, format and structure of its lessons. Youth and adults connect in community and movement.
Snapshots
Embodied Training
Brownbody offers embodied training workshops designed to acknowledge and address the trauma of racial oppression. Through reflection-based dialogue, participants learn how to disempower rooted narratives of the Black community.
“Let's celebrate the beauty that is a part of our culture, our history and our lineage.”
Deneane Richburg
More Stories
Brass Solidarity: Bringing Music to George Floyd Square
Trumpet player Butchy Austin and his band, Brass Solidarity, use their sound for good every Monday in George Floyd Square.
See the project
Minnesota Latino Museum: Celebrating Mexican and Latino Art and Culture
Learn how one organization is establishing an arts and cultural landmark in Saint Paul.
See the Highlights
Announcing Our 2025 Facing Race Award Recipients
This year’s awards recognize five Minnesotans building solutions that unite instead of divide from Saint Paul and Minneapolis to Duluth and Winona.
Read the News
Making Red Wing an Arts & Culture Destination
Art adds value to every community – and in Red Wing, Minnesota, a collaboration is bolstering economic growth and cultural vibrancy.
See the Highlights
A Letter from Chanda On Her First Day
Chanda Smith Baker, Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation President & CEO, shares a note to community on her first day leading the Foundation.
Read the letter
Inspiring Generosity in the Arts
At a recent Giving+Together event, art leaders addressed the economic and cultural benefits of the arts in our lives.
See the Highlights
Warroad RiverPlace: Where Art Meets Community Engagement
Learn how one arts nonprofit is making art more accessible in Warroad.
Read the story
Chanda Smith Baker Named President & CEO of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
Meet the Foundation's New President & CEO in this letter to community from Board Chair Dr. Joseph Lee.
Read the news