Magnetic Ideals is a community organisation providing training, research and networking for organisations working for community interest and social sustainability. We run and support creative projects bringing communities together to create positive social change. This year (2024 – 2025) Magnetic Ideals will be focusing its annual research project on working with Quiet Down There as our research partners.

Quiet Down There runs Harriet’s Press in the Old Market, offering laundry service, a hot drink, and a creative activity for those struggling with hygiene poverty. While people wait, they work 1-2-1 and in small groups on creative activities, with the aim of supporting the formation of a creative identity. Creativity is a lifelong tool for supporting good mental health.

At present, we are project planning and examining a combination of interviews and case studies. We are developing resources and pairing them with some of the artists in our network, supporting them to enhance their arts provision programme.

We look forward to keeping you posted as the project progresses – our project development team Chris Kuzmicki and Heather McKnight can be contacted via research@magneticideals.org.

Watch this short video to hear more about Harriett Cowley who inspired the work at Harriett’s Press.