A night celebrating Black creativity, artistic growth and new beginnings is coming to the historic Walker Theatre this fall. Due to a scheduling conflict, THE RESET: An Art & Soul Featured Artist Showcase has been rescheduled for Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m.

Originally planned for October 10, the showcase is presented through a collaboration between Indy Arts Council and the Madam Walker Legacy Center. Tickets purchased for the original date will be honored on October 11, and current ticket holders should retain them.

Curated and hosted by the Madam Walker Legacy Center, THE RESET will bring together the four Art & Soul 2026 Featured Artists for an evening of original music, poetry, storytelling and theatrical performances.

This year’s theme invites artists and audiences to embrace a “reset” as an intentional pause—a moment to release old habits, reconnect with core values and establish a stronger foundation for future growth. Through their distinct disciplines and personal perspectives, the Featured Artists will explore what it means to reflect, realign and move forward.

Now celebrating its 30th year, Art & Soul highlights Black art and music throughout central Indiana. Four Featured Artists are selected annually in recognition of their talent, creative accomplishments and commitment to building sustainable artistic careers.

Sixty central Indiana artists submitted interest forms or received community nominations for the 2026 program. Indy Arts Council and the Madam Walker Legacy Center selected the finalists based on their exceptional abilities and dedication to their creative work.

The 2026 Featured Artists are Dr. Austin Dean Ashford, Kenn.Wav, Auboni Essence and D’yshe Mansfield.

Dr. Austin Dean Ashford is a multidisciplinary artist known for writing and performing award-winning solo shows. He also works with local organizations, including Flanner House and IF Theatre, to mentor emerging Black artists in theatre, music and storytelling. His long-term vision is to develop a sustainable creative enterprise that elevates Black stories across the stage, screen and community while continuing to guide the next generation of artists.

Pianist and musician Kenn.Wav approaches music with intention, groove and soul. Inspired by artists such as D’Angelo, his work emphasizes connection and creates a shared experience between performer and listener. His recent projects include the 2023 alternative R&B release Frequency, featuring vocalist B.Slade, and a collaborative EP with Breon Lanier.

Literary and spoken word artist Auboni Essence blends personal experiences with universal truths. Their recent accomplishments include competing nationally with a slam poetry team, headlining That Peace Open Mic and leading a six-week youth poetry workshop and showcase. Through an authentic voice and magnetic stage presence, Auboni transforms performances into opportunities for connection and reflection.

Indianapolis native D’yshe Mansfield is a singer, songwriter, actor and director whose career spans music, theatre and film. After studying at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, she returned to Indianapolis in 2021 to create new work and contribute to the local arts community. Her genre-spanning sound incorporates pop, rock, R&B and soul, grounded in emotional honesty. Mansfield has appeared at The Jazz Kitchen, BLACK: A Festival of Joy, Legacy Fest and BUTTER.

The ongoing partnership between Indy Arts Council and the Madam Walker Legacy Center expands opportunities to showcase the artists’ work while introducing new audiences to Art & Soul and its impact on the region’s creative community. The program receives annual support from Lilly Endowment Inc.

Tickets for THE RESET are on sale now. For a limited time, guests can purchase one $10 ticket and receive a second ticket free. Parking is available in the lots adjacent to the Madam Walker Legacy Center, located at 617 Indiana Ave. in Indianapolis.

For tickets, visit the Eventbrite ticket page. Additional information about the program and its Featured Artists is available at indyarts.org/programs/art-soul. Updates and behind-the-scenes content can also be found by following @ArtsCouncilIndy and @WalkerTheatre on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.