agency
– the ability to make decisions and act independently
– action or intervention producing a particular effect
– a thing or person that acts to produce a particular result
– an organization providing a particular service on behalf of another
Agency is a loose collaborative providing expert and specialist advice to cultural and heritage organisations planning and developing capital and other place based projects. Variously described as client advisers, owner’s council or even ‘building doulas’ our role is to help the organisation travel the numerous and intertwined pathways that lead from inception to completion. We work in both voluntary and professional capacities, helping you make it happen.
Who are we
creatives
researchers
cultural practitioners.
fund raisers
specialists
What do we do
advise
generate
facilitate
challenge
represent
How do we do it
consult
research
interpret
integrate
present
the outputs
vision
validation
strategy
tactics
support
collaborators
Paul Jenkins BA DipArch FRSA
projects
new theatre for exeter
For decades the community of Exeter has been trying unsuccessfully to build a new, larger, more flexible and better equipped performing arts venue, to house a more diverse and inclusive cultural programme. Many reports and studies have been commissioned and hundreds of volunteer hours have been contributed but as yet to no avail. The immediate economic and political landscape is inconducive to such a large capital project. However recent announcements related to local government reorganisation and national cultural policy suggest the timing may be right to consider a strategic alliance across a diverse range of stakeholders. The objective would be to provide both advocacy and a development framework to take the project forward.
Agency, in association with the Exeter Civic Society, has been canvassing opinion and reviewing the context and opportunities surrounding the project and has prepared a discussion document to begin this process.
custom house
The Custom House on the quayside in Exeter is a grade 1 listed building and the flagship property of the Exeter Canal and Quayside Trust. For the past ten years it has been managed for the trust by the Exeter City Council who have
east quay
East Quay is at the head of the Exeter Ship Canal which joins Exeter to the tidal estuary of the Exe and so to the English Channel. The canal is the oldest in the UK and has operated continuously for over 500 years. The port of Exeter is designated as a Heritage Harbour and is the home to a range of original and replica heritage vessels both operational and undergoing restoration and conservation work. The ambition is to establish a base for traditional shipbuilding crafts and to present these and the heritage they represent to the public. In association with the Heritage Harbour group and the Friends of the Exeter Canal, Agency has been collating and integrating the various possibilities and potential partners to develop a pathway towards a more robust and fundable proposal. This is being reviewed by partners with a view to progressing to a funding bid to secure capital and operational funding to kickstart the initiative.
(reconnect) the Quay to the City
The Quayside and surrounding area in Exeter has long been disconnected from the City. Not just physically , historically by the city walls and more recently by the Western Way dual carriageway, but also socially and culturally. The decline of commercial shipping and the associated industries led to serious urban degeneration reversed over the past 40 years by a proactive regeneration programme anchored by the Exeter Canal and Quayside Trust. They are now sponsoring two one day workshops to help the local community explore and document the historic and modern barriers and then to identify what opportunities can be developed to overcome them.
There will be expert key note speakers, facilitators to support the field work and idea development workshops, and artists to help you present your ideas. All will be welcome to participate.
The two workshops will be on 26 Sept. and 10 Oct. 2026. We will post access to the booking form as soon as it is available.
AGENCY 