Creativity is power. And power belongs to young people.
The Agency of Change backs young leaders in turning ideas into action through art, entrepreneurship and community to shape the future of their neighbourhoods. From Manchester to Belfast, Agents of Change are mobilising their ideas, using creativity as the most powerful tool for transformation.
What we do
Young people are redesigning the future for now. The Agency of Change supports young people aged 15-25 (Agents) from underserved communities to design and deliver their own social impact projects. Agents gain the tools, confidence and networks to turn ideas into action tackling issues that matter most to them, such as mental health, food justice, climate action and representation.
We:
Resource young people’s ideas. More than half of all delivery budgets go directly to young people, supporting growth and funding new ideas.
Deliver creative training and mentoring. Facilitators, Alumni and professionals stand alongside young people as they bring their ideas to life, using a robust Creative Methodology.
Build networks that last. From local partners to national gatherings, we connect Agents with the people who can help them grow.
Champion youth leadership. Ensure that there are direct routes to paid roles and leadership roles, proving that young people can and should lead the change.
Build communities of practice where creativity fuels belonging, pride and purpose.
Shift perceptions showing that the solutions we need are already in the hands of young people.
“Too many young people are overlooked. The Agency proves that when you invest in us, we create real change.” -Farhad, Alumni Agent
Impact
Creativity works. Here’s the proof. Since 2013, The Agency has:
843+
Young people are supported
41,000+
Community members are reached
32+
Ongoing social enterprises
167+
Jobs are created
£560,000
Raised independently to support Agents’ work
Every project is rooted in a local community, with the capacity to grow into something lasting. Together, we are reshaping change that happens locally, led by young people.
“Before The Agency, I didn’t care about the community. Now I’m running events for it.” –Alumni Agent
Agents in Action
Across the UK, young people are leading creative projects that reimagine what’s possible.
Our Agents are artists, designers, entrepreneurs and community builders. They’re transforming what leadership looks like and who gets to lead.
“Young people are often told what they ‘should’ do. The Agency asks what we want to do and that changes everything.” - Dorcas, Alumni Agent
Why Now
The urgency of creativity.
Decades of austerity and the reduction of the arts in mainstream education have left too many young people unheard. Yet creativity is not a luxury, it’s how communities imagine better futures.
The Agency of Change is building a national movement that puts creativity back where it belongs: in the hands of young people with the most to say, the most to give, and the most to gain. Inspired by the work of Brazilian theatre maker, activist and journalist Marcus Faustini in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro.
We see creativity and knowledge alive in every community. What’s missing isn’t talent, it’s opportunity. Our work is to connect and champion what’s already there. We don’t empower, we resource, amplify, and stand alongside.
“The Agency made me realise I have a voice, and I want people to hear it.” -Beth, Alumni Agent
Join the Movement
Ready to create, collaborate or contribute?
Whether you’re a young person ready to start, or a partner ready to invest, you’re part of a movement proving that creativity can transform lives.
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Partners
With thanks to our founding partners: Battersea Arts Centre, Contact, and People’s Palace Projects.
Associate partner LAPSO, national partners and supporters.
Together, we’re building a new model of youth leadership rooted in creativity, equity and community.