Overview
Indy Arts Council announces the 2026 Featured Artists and schedule, as part of the 30th annual Art & Soul, its largest public program that has honored exceptional Black art and music in Indianapolis since 1996. The Madam Walker Legacy Center will return as a key program partner and will produce and host the Art & Soul Featured Artist Showcase.
Art & Soul is a celebration of Black art and music in Indianapolis. Each year, four Featured Artists are recognized for their exemplary contributions to our creative community. Featured Artists receive an infusion of support, including paid performances and exhibition opportunities, career coaching, media placements, and more.
In the fall of 2025, sixty central Indiana artists submitted an interest form or were nominated by the community for the 2026 Featured Artist opportunity. Indy Arts Council and Madam Walker Legacy Center selected candidates based on their exceptional talent and commitment to their creative career.
Dr. Austin Dean Ashford - Multidisciplinary artist Dr. Austin Dean Ashford has written and performed award-winning solo shows and currently collaborates with local organizations like Flanner House and IF Theatre to mentor dozens of emerging Black artists in theatre, music, and storytelling. His goal is to build a sustainable creative empire that uplifts Black stories across stage, screen, and community. He aims to build a professional foundation that allows him to tour, produce, and publish at a higher level while continuing to mentor others.
“I build worlds that remix the past and reimagine the future, using Hip Hop as both a heartbeat and a blueprint for liberation,” said Dr. Ashford. “I’m a playwright, performer, and musician who believes creativity is both protest and prayer, a way to survive and transform the world around us.”
Kenn.Wav - Musician Kenn.Wav is a pianist who moves through sound with intention, groove, and soul. Inspired by artists like D'Angelo, his work emphasizes connection, creating music that invites listeners into a shared experience. His recent projects include the 2023 alternative R&B release Frequency, featuring vocalist B.Slade, and a collaborative EP with Breon Lanier, expanding his sound while remaining rooted in soul and emotional honesty.
“My creative work blends gospel, soul, and R&B with contemporary and electronic influences, resulting in a sound that is both grounded and exploratory,” said Kenn.Wav. “Through every performance and project, my goal is to create work that is emotionally resonant, culturally rooted, and reflective of the vibrant communities that shaped me.”
Auboni Essence - Literary and spoken word artist Auboni Essence is a poet and performer whose work blends personal experience with universal truth. Recently, they competed nationally with a slam poetry team, headlined That Peace Open Mic, and led a six-week youth poetry workshop and showcase. Known for their authenticity and magnetic stage presence, Auboni transforms every space into a platform for connection. Their work reflects a commitment to exploring life’s joys and struggles while inspiring audiences.
“I now have a repertoire of page poems, slam poems, short stories, and plays that connect with a diverse set of audiences,” said Auboni Essence. “Today, I allow my pen to take me where it wants to go, and I wrestle with the truths, the ideas, and the ideologies that present themselves to me. I carefully package them for others to see and stake my hope on them leaving inspired, delighted, and/or stimulated.”
D’yshe Mansfield - Multidisciplinary artist Indianapolis native D’yshe Mansfield is a singer, songwriter, actor, and director building a career across music, theatre, and film. After training at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, she returned home in 2021 to create and give back to the local arts community. A genre-bending pop, rock, R&B, and soul artist rooted in emotional honesty and connection, she has performed at signature venues and events including The Jazz Kitchen, BLACK: A Festival of Joy, Legacy Fest, and BUTTER.
“I am a multihyphenate singer, songwriter, actress, and performer committed to helping communities feel and heal through music and storytelling,” said Mansfield. “While music allows me to process emotion, theatre allows me to create new worlds, which proves to be helpful along my journey of sharing stories through song.”
Celebrating 30 years in 2026, this year’s Art & Soul will feature a year-round celebration centered on the Featured Artists, with a variety of events leading up to the Featured Artist Showcase. These include public events that celebrate art, music, dance, and literature.
Map
Upcoming Events at Madam Walker Legacy Center
