About UP&UP
UP&UP is a creative engagement organisation using art and music to strengthen wellbeing, connection and positive community outcomes. We work in partnership with schools, local councils, government agencies, community organisations and businesses to deliver creative programs across schools, neighbourhoods and shared public spaces throughout the Hunter region and broader NSW. Our projects bring people together, build confidence and contribute to safer, more connected communities.
Driven by Purpose
We deliver intentionally designed creative programs that use art and music as practical tools for wellbeing, confidence and social connection. Our work supports young people, adults and diverse community groups through inclusive, accessible and professionally facilitated creative experiences. Whether working within schools, public spaces or community settings, our programs are tailored to context while maintaining strong foundations in safety, participation and positive outcomes.
Our Approach
We meet people where they’re at.
UP&UP operates at the intersection of creative practice, youth work and community development. Our team creates safe, welcoming environments that support participation, creative risk-taking and meaningful connection. Programs are delivered with clear objectives and a strong focus on safety, accountability and measurable impact.
Experience & Impact
UP&UP works across education and community contexts throughout NSW, partnering with schools, councils and government agencies to deliver creative engagement initiatives that:
- Support wellbeing and resilience
- Strengthen confidence and self-expression
- Activate and enhance shared spaces
- Foster positive youth engagement
- Contribute to stronger community connection
Our work integrates community development principles, research-informed wellbeing frameworks and professional youth work practice. Programs include reflective and evaluative processes to ensure they are meaningful in delivery and accountable in their outcomes.
Leadership
UP&UP is led by a small, collaborative leadership team combining creative practice, youth work expertise and community development experience.
Faith Curtis, PhD – Director
Faith is a community development practitioner and creative producer with extensive experience delivering art-based wellbeing and engagement programs. Her doctoral research in Community Development informs UP&UP’s inclusive practice, participatory processes and outcomes-focused delivery. She brings strong skills in program design, partnership development and evaluation, ensuring projects are evidence-informed, strategically grounded and responsive to community need.
Shane Kennedy – Director
Shane is an artist and experienced community and youth worker with over 30 years’ practice across schools and community settings. He brings extensive expertise in graffiti and hip hop culture, public mural delivery and creative facilitation. His practice combines professional artistic practice with longstanding relational youth work experience to create safe, supportive and high-quality creative environments.
Together, they lead a collaborative network of artists and facilitators, supporting high-quality project delivery while fostering pathways for emerging creatives and community participation.