Karma Times is a platform for community arts, projects, event, environmental initiatives and media photography. It aims to make community projects accessible to everyone. Its a social media site which breaks the mould encouraging diversity and inclusivity wirth over 10,000 members and is run by volunteers.
"I was chuffed to bits to be invited to be the poster boy for the Karma Times flier" explained Ian Henery, who served under four Mayors of Walsall as Poet Laureate and Poet in Residence of Walsall Parish Church for their 800th Anniversary Year.
The photograph of Ian shows him on stage at the Mile of Smiles Festival in shrewsbury and was taken by Karma Times photographer Phil Buckley.
"I have been honoured to have collaborated with various members of the Karma Times teams in the past" said Ian Henery. "One splendid occasion comes to mind and it was the art and poetry exhibition at St Pauls The Crossing in Darwall street in Walsall. Local poets collaborated with members of Walsall Society of Artists. No one of got paid but it was fun and drew in crowds to Walsall town centre. We timed it in the calendar for National Poetry Day. A good time was had by all!"
The collaboration went on to run for 6 weeks at St Pauls The Crossing before being moved to the New Art Gallery for 3 months and then being showcased that year at the Wolverhampton Literature Festival.
"You don`t have to be a community worker, singer, artist, poet, photographer, writer or musician to be a member of Karma Times" said Ian "and indeed many members are none of these but just like to enjoy a site which gives them access to local initiatives in Walsall and the freedom to exopress themselves and meet other people in a friendly, safe environment."
