UP&UP Inspirations is a dynamic and innovative company founded by Faith Curtis and Shane Kennedy, two passionate individuals dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusion, and community development through art and creative programs. With their combined expertise and experience, Faith and Shane have built UP&UP into a leading organisation that uses an evidence-based approach to create socially inclusive and resilient communities.
Faith Curtis
Faith Curtis PhD is an educator, community development practitioner, and street artist with a passion for diversity and inclusion. As the Co-Creator of UP&UP Inspirations, Faith manages all programs, mural projects, and events, using creativity to foster social inclusion and build stronger communities.
With a background in research and an evidence-based approach, Faith’s work is grounded in community engagement and asset-based community development. Her doctoral research explored how people from diverse cultures and linguistic backgrounds transition to life in Australia, shaping her commitment to inclusive, participatory initiatives.
Faith is also an Honorary Lecturer at the University of Newcastle. She has extensive experience in grant writing and funding proposals, understanding the challenges community organisations face in securing resources. As the Company Director Faith draws on her experience to ensure that UP&UP’s creative programs are impactful, inclusive, and sustainable.
Shane Kennedy
An award-winning Youth Worker, Shane has been a leader in the creative community for many years. He has been designing and facilitating Graffiti Art Programs and Hip Hop music workshops with young people for over 20 years, inspiring young people to recognise their own unique capabilities and strengths. He uses a celebration of Hip Hop culture – graffiti, music, storytelling, passion and honesty – to promote self-expression, personal development and self-respect. Shane’s work was recognised when he was awarded Youth Sector Worker of the Year in Newcastle at the 2015 Regional Youth Services Award. He has also been nominated for NSW Youth Worker of the Year.
In addition to his excellence in youth work and community development, Shane is an accomplished artist. Before co-creating UP&UP in 2014, Shane was a well-established graffiti artist with over 25 years’ experience creating commercial, residential and public artworks in places such as Melbourne, New York, Germany and the Netherlands. As an artist, Hip Hop MC, community worker and wellness speaker, Shane’s energy and enthusiasm engage people of all ages and backgrounds.
Tyson
Youth Worker & Program Facilitator
Tyson has been an integral part of UP&UP Inspirations since its inception in 2014, with a decade of experience in facilitating creative art programs for young people and the wider community. Passionate about youth engagement, he has cultivated a deep understanding of community connection through artistic expression.
Holding a Diploma in Youth Work and a Certificate III in Community Services, Tyson has worked across various sectors, including childcare education, further enriching his expertise in supporting young people.
In addition to his role as a youth worker and workshop facilitator, Tyson also contributes to the operational side of UP&UP, assisting with administration, bookkeeping, and stock control. His diverse skill set and commitment to fostering creative and inclusive spaces make him a valued member of the UP&UP team.
Shane Kennedy
An award-winning Youth Worker, Shane has been a leader in the creative community for many years. He has been designing and facilitating Graffiti Art Programs and Hip Hop music workshops with young people for over 18 years, inspiring young people to recognise their own unique capabilities and strengths. He uses a celebration of Hip Hop culture – graffiti, music, storytelling, passion and honesty – to promote self-expression, personal development and self-respect. Shane’s work was recognised when he was awarded Youth Sector Worker of the Year in Newcastle at the 2015 Regional Youth Services Award. He has also been nominated for NSW Youth Worker of the Year.
In addition to his excellence in youth work and community development, Shane is an accomplished artist. Before co-creating UP&UP in 2014, Shane was a well-established graffiti artist with over 20 years’ experience creating commercial, residential and public artworks in places such as Melbourne, New York, Germany and the Netherlands. As an artist, Hip Hop MC, community worker and wellness speaker, Shane’s energy and enthusiasm engage people of all ages and backgrounds.
Faith Curtis
As an educator, community development practitioner and street artist, Faith has a passion for diversity and inclusion. She divides her time between UP&UP and the University of Newcastle, where she teaches Development Studies to a wide range of students. Recently, Faith was awarded the University of Newcastle, Faculty of Science Excellence in Teaching Award 2020. Her work is grounded in research, allowing UP&UP to bring an evidence-based approach to their programs. Faith’s doctoral research, for example, examined assisting people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds in their transition to life in Australia. As a part of this research, Faith has engaged in extensive community development practices, including community engagement and asset-based community development. Drawing on her work with both UON and UP&UP, Faith views art as an important medium through which more socially inclusive and resilient communities can be realised.
As co-creator of UP&UP, Faith has experience in the grant application and funding proposal process and understands that most community organisations rely solely on grants and funding to implement social inclusion and/or creative programs. In addition to her work in creative community development, Faith often consults with organisations in the area of writing grant applications and proposals, as well as with the design and implementation of inclusive, fun, and effective programs.