The Faces of Change: Josh and Eunice
In 2023, The Agency proudly marked its 10th anniversary in the UK, a milestone celebrated with our annual National Gathering. Agents and partners from across the country came together at Battersea Arts Centre to share ideas, build networks, and celebrate the incredible stories of change-makers working in communities.
A highlight of the event was a striking collection of portraits taken by Manchester-based photographer Bounty Vegah and London-based Chimna Orji, who are also Alumni Agents! These larger-than-life portraits featured past participants, known as Alumni Agents, who have used the tools from The Agency to create impactful social projects in their communities. Displayed throughout Battersea Arts Centre, the portraits captured not just the faces of individuals but the spirit of their communities, which they’ve brought creative ideas to.
Now, nearly a year on, we are excited to share these portraits with a wider audience. Accompanied by interview-style reflections, each story reveals the power of community, creativity, and connection that The Agency fosters. In this feature, we’re spotlighting Josh and Eunice, two inspiring individuals whose personal and professional transformations highlight the incredible work of The Agency in Manchester and London.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll continue to share more portraits and stories, so keep an eye out for future updates!
Josh Q&A
What’s your most memorable experience with The Agency?
I vividly remember sitting in the Miners Community Centre in Moston, Manchester, during winter, all of us huddled around a heater. Creativity and laughter were bouncing around the room. That’s The Agency for me—freedom, understanding, and care. I was nervous when I joined, struggling in school with dyslexia and not feeling like I was "succeeding." But from that first session, Kate and Reece, the facilitators, made me feel understood. They explained how we would use creativity to follow our desires and create our own projects. I finally felt like I was in the right space.
How has The Agency influenced your personal or professional life?
Although I didn’t receive funding as an Agent, the connections and networks I made through The Agency were invaluable. They helped me set up two creative businesses: Modify Productions, which focuses on community film and media, and Malandra Jacks, where we co-create creative projects. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without The Agency’s support.
What advice would you give to new participants?
Trust the process! Follow your passion and, most importantly, be yourself.
Since you joined, has anyone you know become an Agent?
Yes! I’ve had the unique experience of transitioning from an Agent to a Lead Facilitator in Manchester. Each year, I get to meet and encourage new local young people to take part in The Agency.
Have you developed your project further since leaving The Agency?
N/A – I wasn’t funded (haha).
Are you still connected with anyone from your time at The Agency?
Yes, I’m still in touch with a few Agents from my year, which was almost nine years ago! Yomi and Sam R.A. remain close friends and collaborators. The relationships I built extend to the facilitators and staff at Contact; some of my closest friendships to this day came through The Agency.
Do you have a favourite quote or motto?
"A day without laughter is a day wasted."
If you could instantly learn any skill, what would it be and why?
I’d love to learn how to play the piano. I’m drawn to how music brings people together, and I admire anyone who can just sit down and play. I’ve tried learning before, but it’s been hard to stick with it!
If you were to write a book about your life, what would the title be?
The Baby Jesus of Moston.
Eunice Q&A
What was the most memorable experience you had during your time with The Agency?
My most memorable experience was executing my joint project with the panel. Seeing all of our hard work pay off and receiving such positive feedback felt incredibly rewarding. Another standout memory was attending the National Gathering in Manchester. It was exciting to network with other agents and enjoy the chance to stay in a new city overnight, complete with fun activities.
How has being part of The Agency influenced your personal or professional life?
The Agency has really pushed me out of my comfort zone, and it has increased my confidence significantly. Before joining, I was shy and kept to myself, but now I'm much more open and enjoy meeting new people and engaging in conversations.
What advice would you give to new participants joining The Agency?
Be yourself and believe in yourself! You are capable of anything you set your mind to. There are many amazing opportunities out there, and The Agency has been one of the best experiences for me. It’s changed me for the better, and I'm incredibly grateful. It’s a reminder that opportunities like this can come your way and make a huge, positive impact on your life.
Are you still in touch with The Agency or friends from the programme?
Yes, I am! I'm still in contact with many of the agents and participants from my cohort, which is one of the things that makes The Agency so special. I also continue to receive paid opportunities, and I know The Agency is always there to support me if I have a new project idea.
If you were to write a book about your life, what would the title be?
"Don't Give Up!"
Enjoyed this read? This was the first article in our series ‘The Faces of Change’ keep an eye out for more released throughout October!
In the meantime take a look at some more of the fantastic portraits taken by Bounty Vegah and Chimna Orji to celebrate 10 years of The Agency in the UK.
