Join Our Free Community Events: Creativity, Mindfulness & Nature Await!
Discover a world of creativity, mindfulness, and eco-friendly learning with our free upcoming workshops. Whether you’re looking to relax, connect with nature, or explore your artistic side, there’s something for everyone. Our free workshops are here to inspire and empower you! Enjoy hands-on eco-arts activities like gardening (no garden needed!), getting a bit creative and learning about the history of the craft, or tackling eco-anxiety with arts in the swamp!
These family-friendly events are perfect for all ages and backgrounds. Places are limited, so book your spot today and share the joy with friends and family!
Wetlands are crucial for water security. Less than 1% of Earth’s freshwater is usable and most of that is contained in wetlands, including about a third in rivers and lakes. The silt-rich soil and abundant plant vegetation of wetlands act like water filters, absorbing harmful toxins, agricultural pesticides and industrial waste.
Wetlands are grievously affected by plastic pollution, with more than 800 marine and coastal species affected by this pollution. Rivers and other wetlands are not only places that plastic waste flows through, they also are places where long-term deposits settle.
Wetlands and human life are interconnected, with people drawing sustenance, inspiration and resilience from these life-sustaining and sacred ecosystems. The state of our planet’s wetlands is deeply concerning for youth around the world. And a great sense of urgency is felt. Intergenerational dialogue on the wise use and conservation of these vulnerable ecosystems is critical to our shared future.
From prehistoric times, many hundreds of generations of people have settled in and around wetlands, often transforming their wetlands into cultural landscapes in which natural and human-made elements are uniquely combined. Cultural knowledge of wetlands constitutes a collective legacy for today’s societies. Across cultures, wetlands are seen as cultural landscapes embedded in identity, art and spirituality. Many communities consider wetlands sacred, home to ancestral spirits or ceremonial sites. Songs, dances, festivals and oral traditions often center on wetland life and cycles.
The profound and rapid social and economic transformations of recent decades have increasingly threatened the effective preservation of the cultural heritage typical of wetlands in many parts of the world.
As part of our commitment to raising awareness of the importance of wetlands, we are running two Welcome to the Swamp workshops, you can sign up below!
Welcome to the Swamp Workshop – Immersive Somatic Workshop for Ecoanxiety
Stammer Wellbeing Gardens, 2pm – 4pm, 14th March and 7th April
Welcome to the Swamp is a project that explores understanding ourselves as biodiverse beings in transition through artistic practices. By doing so, it aims to counter apathy and feelings of disempowerment, foster a connection to our environment and climate, and build understanding of the importance of biodiversity. This is an intergenerational space, but all children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
We’ll be working with consideration for our feelings and relationships in an ever-changing climate. In a time of climate crisis and anxiety, we will work through somatic practice to connect with the swamp, expressing ourselves with natural paints and giant grasses, an exploratory and grounding artistic adventure, aided by meditation and soundscape to journey us through our swamp experience. through our feelings on the climate crisis in a session working on the idea of the swamp. We’ll work with natural paints as we discuss climate issues in an inter-generational space of reflection and care. A perfect tonic for activist burn-out, a chance to learning more and meet new people!
Materials
We will use natural paints, all made from foraged materials. Some of these will be made in advance, and you will have the option to add to or make them on the day. We will be showing/explaining different ways of making these traditional natural paints, one of which includes the use of egg whites, which will have been sourced from local (to us!) Sussex free-range hens to thicken the paints, and others will involve using purely plant-based sources. The contents of the paints will be clearly labelled and explained, so you can choose which to use.
Abstract for the conference Failed Again – The Fault Lines in Utopia Newcastle University – part of the Fail Again, Fail Better? Recuperating Failure in Utopian Politics and Research Project
Weaving Failure into the Utopian Fabric – Artistic Engagements within Creative Care Café Structures
This paper addressed the question: “…what if failure was intentionally built into the fabric of utopia, if ‘fault-lines’ were purposefully incorporated to promote reflection, revisions and renewal?” Expanding on the paper given at the Edinburgh event in April, this paper focuses on the use of creative methods in the Brighton (UK) based funded Creative Climate Cafes project and Menopause and Mind projects. It will offer visual case studies of these two projects which use arts within the traditional conversational care café structures. They utilise the transformative potential of creativity to incite the utopian impulse within participants in the “darkness of the lived moment”.
The initial paper at the Edinburgh Conference has set up café spaces such as this (and others that such cafes have grown from such as grief and death cafes) as spaces of anticipatory failure. In a sense these café spaces are also Microutopias (events and projects that are small, planned resistances and social experiments) which set out to embed and identify failure as part of the action and being within their spaces. There is a focus on finding ways to live with the crisis as well as finding ways to combat it. It is possible to view these café spaces as heterotopias where the normal rules operate differently. Here we are seeing human failings as a necessary and inherent part of life that we have to ‘be with’ rather than escaping or resolving our failure.
Both projects have anticipated failure in their inception, it is at the heart of their being as they have started with the faults. Given the prevalence of failure within our species being, we can see the spaces as representative of different structures of failure. The Creative Climate Cafes tackle climate crisis, a result of concurrent and collective failures under a patriarchal and capitalist system which is destroying our lived environment. The Menopause and Mind cafes tackle the failures of which menopause related mental health struggles to be adequately supported, and the medicalised construct of failure of menopause where there are persistent narratives of the failure of the body and mind and the perceived end of ‘usefulness’ of the feminised body, despite the critique of these narratives within the spaces.
In these spaces hope can be reconfigured by grief. This applies whether it is for our loss of our lived environment and each other, or for the multifaceted loss of self (socially constructed or as part of a transformational process) that can accompany menopause. These café sessions are structured so people can explore their thoughts and feelings through the artistic forms, not just discussion, bringing forth unconscious as well as conscious thoughts and feelings. Using simple and accessible creative activities such as collage, expressive painting or use of clay or inks there is an exploration and expression of feelings bringing to the surface what is hidden and allowing for world-building in the cracks of our society. Weaving failure into the fabric of the utopia, the images and artistic creations from these sessions are both hopeful and critical, allowing for expression of failure and also new hopeful structures to be emergent from the chaos.
Workshop Images (2023) – Menopause and Mind – Collage/Painting/Clay
Thanks to renewed funding announced this week Magnetic Ideals looks forward to announcing a forthcoming programme of free training and skills sessions to develop new skills and help build community through creativity and confidence-building. Will be offering courses that focus on coaching you to get back on track with work and life, learning new creative skills, putting on community events and promoting wellbeing through engaging with nature and the arts. We would like to say a huge thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund for their ongoing support of this project!
The programme is here to help you Reconnect with your life and purpose, and we look forward to sharing this journey with you! Follow our Eventbrite booking online here to hear about upcoming events this summer. We will be running these sessions with experienced facilitators from our own network and our partners such as Arts for Life. Sessions will be running at the Cornerstone Community Centre in Hove, as well as at Rockets Studio.
Our sessions will be free, inclusive and welcoming, with food, warm drinks, and a chance to chat and make new connections. The venue is accessible, and we encourage any participants with specific needs around accessibility, whether relating to physical needs, neurodiversity or emotional needs to let us know so we can make sure you enjoy and feel comfortable in our sessions.
Full details will be available soon, but if you want to know more about the programme, please email programme lead heather@magneticideals.org to be added to our mailing list!
Harriett’s Press, a community laundrette and arts space in Brighton, is redefining what it means to tackle some of society’s most pressing issues: hygiene poverty, social isolation, and mental health. In our research, Magnetic Ideals, sheds light on this innovative model and its impact. It offers insights for policymakers, social researchers, and community practitioners alike.
Hygiene poverty, characterised by a lack of access to essential cleaning products or facilities due to financial constraints, is an emerging yet often overlooked issue. The report notes that, unlike food or fuel poverty, public awareness of hygiene poverty is remarkably low. Yet, its consequences are severe, leading to social stigma, shame, exclusion, lowered self-esteem, and health problems. 4.2 million UK adults are affected, and many have to choose between basic hygiene products and other necessities, such as food or heating.
For economically disadvantaged communities, low confidence in social settings is a significant barrier to connection. Over 9 million UK adults report chronic loneliness, leading to emotional and physical distress. Harriett’s Press, situated in an area of high social deprivation in Brighton, directly addresses these interconnected challenges.
A Holistic Approach: Laundry, Art, and “Accelerated Intimacy”
What makes Harriett’s Press unique is its holistic, non-institutionalised approach. It provides free laundry services alongside a flexible arts program. This isn’t just about clean clothes; it’s about fostering a community where individuals can develop confidence and creative identity. The service caters to those experiencing financial hardship, housing precarity, mental health issues, and neurodivergence, offering a timely and necessary lifeline amidst the ongoing impacts of the cost-of-living crisis and long-COVID.
A key finding of the research is the therapeutic benefit of the 1:1 arts practice embedded within the laundrette. The non-prescriptive nature of the art engagement is crucial; art is offered, never required, allowing for playfulness, error, and experimentation without judgment. This fosters pride and identity formation, with many beginning to self-identify as artists or imaginative individuals.
The report also highlights the concept of “accelerated intimacy”. The casual setting of the laundrette dissolves formal social norms, allowing for a unique openness and camaraderie. People “air their dirty laundry” both literally and metaphorically, fostering rapid emotional connections through shared vulnerability. This intimacy is fostered through parallel activities rather than forced interactions, creating a safe space where meaningful conversation and silence can coexist.
Laundry as a Canvas for Transformation
What sets Harriett’s Press apart is its commitment to embedding art and creative practices within the everyday act of doing laundry. The distinctive 1:1 arts facilitation model employed diverges from more commonly studied group-based community arts. This personalised approach offers tailored feedback, emotional safety, and deep personal engagement, proving particularly beneficial for individuals with neurodivergence or trauma who might find group dynamics overwhelming. Harriett’s Press is more than a service; it’s a catalyst for community connection. Many service users report feeling isolated, and the laundrette provides a reason to leave the house and engage socially, leading to the formation of supportive networks.
Participants describe the service as “transformative,” citing improvements in mood and reduction in anxiety. The art-making process becomes incidentally remedial, offering wellbeing outcomes even if not explicitly planned as therapy. This reclaiming or discovery of creative identity through accessible practices disrupts conventional narratives about who can be an artist. Some have even explored other creative workshops or considered employment in creative sectors.
The report argues that arts-based interventions, such as Harriett’s Press, address complex social problems in a non-stigmatising way, suggesting that the arts should be integrated more systematically into public health and community services. The implications of this model extend to policy and practice in community arts and public health. The report argues that arts are not an “add-on” but integral to the effectiveness and appeal of such services, suggesting a need for their systematic integration into public health and community services. Harriett’s Press offers a dignified and creative approach to addressing hygiene poverty at a local level, providing a model that could inform future strategies and policy reform.
However, like many grassroots initiatives, Harriett’s Press faces challenges related to limited resources and short-term funding models that often prioritise quantifiable outcomes over qualitative depth. The report recommends adopting creative evaluation tools that captures the richness of their work, resisting reductive metrics. Organisations such as Harriett’s Press should seek long-term funding while carefully guarding against losing the intimacy and ethos that defines its service.
The study underscores the urgent need for government policy and statistics to address hygiene poverty. Encouraging broader academic and community collaboration is vital to evaluate the long-term impacts of community laundrettes. Furthermore, creative methods should be employed to elevate hygiene poverty as a social issue, contributing to grassroots-led advocacy for policy reform.
Building Community, Shaping Policy
Harriett’s Press is far more than a laundrette. It is a testament to inventive community responses to pressing social needs, demonstrating how art activity rooted in everyday life can restore dignity, build belonging, and generate individual and transformation. This report serves as a call to action, urging us to recognise the profound social impact of such initiatives and to invest in holistic, relational approaches to poverty, mental health, and community well-being.
For more information, you can read the full report here:
Magnetic Ideals member Alex Paterson is running a five week baby massage course for on £20 at the Cornerstone from June 6th – July 4th. Please share with anyone you think would be interested, the full details are below!
When: 5 weekly sessions on Fridays, June 6th – July 4th
Time: 9:30-11:00 AM
Where: Corner Stone Community Centre, Hove
Perfect For: Babies from birth to 9 months (ideal for pre-crawlers!)
Fee: Just £20 for all 5 sessions Note: This fee simply covers room hire – the course is offered free as part of my instructor accreditation
What Makes This Course Special
Over these 5 weeks, you’ll learn a complete baby massage routine approved by the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM). We’ll explore specialised techniques to soothe tummy discomfort and support your baby’s development. Baby massage isn’t just about touch – it’s about creating nurturing moments of connection with your little one.
My Passion
As an IAIM trained Infant Massage Instructor and experienced Early Years Teacher, I’m truly passionate about sharing these skills with parents (Whether you are a Mum, Mama, Daddy, Papa, Ren or something else entirely). Every touch is an opportunity to bond, to communicate, and to support your baby’s wellbeing.
What You Need to Know
The venue has lift access and space for buggies
Please bring a towel or blanket from home for your baby’s comfort
Massage oils will be provided
This is an inclusive space welcoming all families
A Warm Invitation
Places are limited, so don’t miss out on this special opportunity to learn, connect, and grow with your baby.
Book now and embark on this beautiful journey of touch and connection.
Cover art for Cronework / Katy Barrett / Instagram: @Katybarrett1468
Beltane Greetings, everyone! Very excited to announce the release of this compilation today, which is the culmination of a combined effort from musicians, artists and Difficult Art and Music Record label. A huge thanks to everyone involved, please read below for more information about this unique project and how to hear the release!
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“It is to the discovery of reasons and logics other than those of capitalist development that I refer when I speak of ‘re-enchanting the world’, a practice I believe is central to most anti-systemic movements and a precondition for resistance to exploitation.”Sylvia Federici, Re-enchanting the World (2019)
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Cronework – Re-enchanting the label is a compilation and a community project working with Magnetic Ideals and local record label Difficult Art and Music.
Brighton’s riot-grrrl-indie-femme-pop Fuck You and Your A-Sides have curated a feminist release by inviting self-identified women and gender-diverse* artists to submit tracks, and received a wonderful selection of both local and international artists.
The tracks engage with both traditional folklore, and modern interpretations of esoteric magical practice. Musical diversity ranges from chanting ancient verses to Eletronica, Indiepop and Industrial. As a listener you engage with the music as it manifests the spellwork. If you want to go deeper, instructions for each spell song are included, alongside unique artwork created for every artwork, in an accompanying spell book.
The artwork was either created by the musicians themselves or participants from community workshops run in collaboration with the Magnetic Ideals Reconnect programme. Interested participants were welcomed whether artist, musician, witch or just curious to step into our circle and contribute.
Through giving voice and a sense of community to marginalised groups and the still stigmatised practice of political magics, the compilation engages with Sylvia Federici’s practice of ‘re-enchanting the world’. This can be seen as central to anti-systemic movements and a precondition for resistance to exploitation present in today’s ever-isolated and isolating world.
*this definition of gender-diverse includes transwomen, trans men, people who identify outside of the man/women binary, including non-binary and genderqueer people, and self-identified women, includes all women.
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.
Image – Chris Kuzmicki presenting at Sonic Rebellions II (2024)
We are very excited to take on Chris Kuzmicki as a Social Researcher for the coming year at Magnetic Ideals! Since its inception, Chris has been involved in Magnetic Ideals, co-chairing our board and co-writing our constitution. He has consulted on numerous projects for us, including research for developing an accredited volunteering programme at Durham University Students’ Union, with The Student Engagement Partnership and the QAA, looking at student engagement in internal quality processes, and more recently, providing Advance HE away day facilitation.
Chris Kuzmicki brings a wealth of unique skills and experiences to our team. His background in research, including qualitative and quantitative data analysis, survey coding, and interview and focus group transcription, is impressive. His extensive work in the public sector and higher education, along with his recent contributions at the University of Brighton, where he conducted research on graduate career opportunities and built relationships with SMEs and the community sector, is a testament to his capabilities. His nine years at the University of Brighton, which included roles at STEM Sussex and Brighton Students’ Union, further demonstrate his diverse skill set.
His academic background includes an MA in critical and cultural theory and an award-winning BA (Hons) in Music. He will present at the upcoming Sonic Rebellions conference in Brighton, where he will speak about music technology and social justice. He is also a fixture of the local Brighton music scene as a musician, sound engineer, and DIY promoter. It will be worth keeping an eye out for his workshops as part of our Reconnect Skills Share projects later this year.
Chris will be joining us full-time to lead our open-access community research project. His expertise and leadership will bring a new level of innovation and success to this initiative. We are thrilled to announce that we will be launching our call for community partners and you can find out more information here!
Call for Research Partners – Open Access Community Research
Do you need research done that you do not have the capacity to do? We aim to produce research useful to third-sector organisations in the current climate of diminished funding and increased need. There is no charge to be a project partner, however, work produced must be open access for the whole sector.
We have the capacity to work with a group of local community organisations or charities, to identify and deliver research that can be used to support campaigning, influence policy, or leverage funding. The research may include activities such as service user engagements, desk-based research, data analysis and sector-focused discussions.
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, Magnetic Ideals will be focusing an annual research project on one of the following areas within Brighton and Hove:
Education & Training
Employment
Housing & Social Welfare
If you have an area of research you think would be suitable, please fill in your initial ideas in this form by 13 June 2024. Please do not worry about having a fully formed research plan, we are here to help develop this. We are most interested in how we can support ideas that will facilitate change.
Sadly, we will not be able to work with all organisations who apply, and will let you know the outcome of the decision on the projects by 27 June 2024.
We look forward to hearing about your ideas, if you have any questions, please email research@magneticideals.org
