The Power of Creative Leadership in Belfast
Belfast has long been shaped by creativity, community and resilience. Through The Agency of Change, young people across the city are supported to explore ideas, build confidence and take part in creative programmes designed to help them grow and lead in their own ways.
In Belfast, the programme is delivered in partnership with New Lodge Arts, a long-established cultural organisation rooted in the local community.
For Orla, Project Manager for The Agency of Change Belfast, the work is closely tied to her own connection to the city. She was born and raised in West Belfast, along the historic Falls Road, and speaks openly about the pride she feels in where she comes from.
Rooted in Belfast
“I was born and raised in Belfast. I am actually from the west of the city - the very historical Falls Road. I love Belfast and I’m very proud to be from here.”
That sense of pride also shapes why she was drawn to The Agency of Change. It was the organisation’s ethos and methodology, and the opportunity it offers young people, that inspired her to join the team.
Having known about The Agency before New Lodge Arts became part of it, she connected strongly with the way the programme is delivered and the experiences it creates.
“The whole ethos and methodology of The Agency is what inspired me to join the team. If this opportunity had been offered to me as a young person, I’d have absolutely loved it.”
Asked to describe her role in one word, Orla’s enthusiasm is immediate.
“Fabulous! I have loved every day in my project management, and I hope to continue in this role for as long as The Agency will have me.”
Over her three years as a Project Manager, she says she has been inspired by many people across the organisation, from alumni Agents and Agency staff to the Belfast Agents she has worked alongside, and continues to be struck by the stories that emerge from the programme.
“I am still to this day hearing new inspirational and success stories that blow me away.”
Belfast Agency 25-26 Cohort during their first week of Cycle 1.
One recent moment stands out above the rest. Reflecting on this year’s Panel Day, Orla describes it as a deeply proud and emotional experience.
“A recent proud moment for me HAS TO BE this years Panel Day. The young people were amazing, so supportive of each other and so proud of themselves. I felt like a proud mother/auntie/friend (a wee bit of everything!!), it was a day and experience I will never forget.”
We also asked Orla fun quick-fire questions!
1) What’s a hidden gem in Belfast that everyone should know about?
“There are so many, but for me it’s the Odyssey Pavilion. I’ve loved going there since I was a kid, it opened in the year 2000 when I was ten. I loved it as a teen and young adult, and now I love bringing my own family. There are so many forms of entertainment there, W5, our main concert venue and much more. It’s been revamped lately and is making a strong comeback.”
2) Who has been one of your biggest inspirations or role models?
“I’ve been inspired by many alumni Agents and Agency staff in my three years as a PM. I’ve also been inspired by so many Belfast Agents in the cohorts I’ve been part of. Just pure class.”
3) If you could invite any three people to a creative brainstorming session, who would they be?
“Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou and Shonda Rhimes.”
4) What do you want to change in 2026?
“In 2026 I would like to change things in my own life and things id like to see change in the wider community. I would love to see less hate and racism in our communities. In my own life I’d like to change by relaxing more and putting less pressure on myself – as I am doing great!”
5) Do you have a motto or phrase that guides you?
“Progress begins with the first step, no matter how big or small. Any start is a great start. Small steps add up.”
6) If your life were a movie, what genre would it be and who would play you?
“It depends on what day you ask me, it could be a horror one day and a comedy the next. But as we’re approaching the festive season, I’ll go for a Christmas movie, a funny one, not a tear-jerker, with a very happy ending. And I’d like Amy Poehler to play me because she’s hilarious. I love anything she’s in.”
Community Research
Alongside the Belfast programme, The Agency of Change carries out community-based research to better understand local needs and priorities. Click here to read the North Belfast Community Research Report.