In 2012 a methodology pioneered in Brazil to engage disadvantaged young people was adapted to create The Agency, a project we have supported and is led by a partnership between Battersea Arts Centre, Contact in Manchester and the People’s Palace Projects. The Agency is a programme that uses the creative process to support young people to develop their own projects and businesses to create positive change in their communities.

We are pleased that The Agency is participating at Strive Festival – a festival for young people created by young people – this weekend. Strive is the Southbank Centre’s newest festival for young people aged 15 to 25, giving them a platform to share skills, art, ideas and voices. There will be an opportunity to learn more about the innovative projects the young Agents have created at their market stalls, and take part in workshops and conversations.

The following are some activities that The Agency will be taking part in over the weekend:

Young People’s Agency: Who are the people with ideas? An Open Space Discussion.

Sun 12 April, 3pm to 5pm, Southbank Centre.

Join The Agency to discuss how we can best support young people to take control and have agency within their lives so they can have a positive impact on their own future as well as the future of their communities. This is an event where you can set the agenda, ask the questions and lead the conversation. There will be provocations from the young Agents as well as international artists and social leaders including Marcus Faustini (founder, Agencia de Redes para Juventude, Rio) and Paul Heritage (Artistic Director, People’s Palace Projects).

Workshops, performances and market stalls.

Sat 11 and Sun 12 April, from 11am, Southbank Centre.

Come and experience the projects young entrepreneurs have developed through The Agency. Come and get involved: roll your sleeves up in a baking academy; learn how to make your own organic beauty products; test a new board game based on London’s Winstanley estate; learn how to sew and make your own clothes; or take part in a fun fitness class.

The Agency is an inspiring initiative adapted from Brazil’s favelas that we are proud to have supported. Read The Telegraph‘s recent article: ‘How the Rio slums helped inspire a start-up revolution’ to learn more about the Agents and their projects.

For more information on the project, visit Contact’s website here.

For full listings and timings of the Strive Festival, visit the Southbank Centre’s website here.