More than Murals
At UP&UP, our murals are more than just artworks—they are vibrant expressions of community spirit, created through collaboration and shared vision. Every project is a partnership, ensuring that the design and installation process is inclusive, engaging, and meaningful.
Community engagement is at the heart of what we do. Each mural is co-created with the people who will live with it, giving them a sense of ownership and pride in their space. Through workshops and hands-on participation, we transform walls into powerful stories, celebrating culture, identity, and connection.
Fassifern Public School Mural
Created in collaboration with the Year 5 and 6 students of Fassifern Public School, this mural is a vibrant celebration of their creativity, teamwork, and school pride. From the initial design phase to the final spray-painted details, students were involved every step of the way, learning practical aerosol painting techniques while developing skills in design and collaboration.
For the Year 6 students, this project was particularly special, as it allowed them to leave a lasting legacy at their primary school. More than just a mural, this artwork is a symbol of their collective effort and the impact of working together to create something meaningful for their school community.
Lake Macquarie Skate Park Murals
In collaboration with Lake Macquarie City Council and funded by the NSW Government’s Graffiti Management Program, UP&UP worked with local young people to transform three skate parks—Bolton Point, Bonnells Bay, and Pasterfield Sports Complex—into vibrant, community-driven artworks.
Young people and students were involved from the start, taking part in design workshops where they brainstormed ideas that reflected their creativity and connection to place. At each location, participants learned aerosol painting techniques and worked together to install murals, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their public spaces.
More than just adding colour, these murals create a lasting impact by engaging young people in their community and giving them a voice in shaping shared spaces. Through hands-on involvement, students gained confidence, teamwork skills, and the experience of seeing their ideas come to life.
THE HIVE - One Place, Many Paths
The Hive at Maitland Grossman High School is a support unit where inclusivity and creativity came together in a truly special mural project. UP&UP worked with every student in the unit, ensuring that all abilities were celebrated and that everyone had a role in the design and painting process.
As part of our Student Engagement Mural Program, this project was about more than just brightening up the space—it was about fostering teamwork, self-expression, and a sense of belonging. During the process, students and teachers collectively created the phrase “One Place, Many Paths” to describe The Hive, celebrating both its welcoming and diverse community and the unique journey of each student. This meaningful message was incorporated into the mural, making it a true reflection of the unit’s spirit.
Through hands-on participation, students learned aerosol painting techniques, collaborated on design ideas, and contributed in ways that suited their abilities. The result is a vibrant and symbolic artwork that not only transforms the environment but also honors the individuality and creativity of The Hive’s students.
Toronto Child Care Centre
In collaboration with Jess Hopcroft from Dhiyyan Art, UP&UP worked with Toronto Child Care Centre to create a mural that reflects the centre’s identity, culture, and connection to community. Guided by input from the staff, the design was shaped to represent the young people and their learning environment.
The mural features three significant animals—Wilia (Possum), Maata (Echidna), and Mowane (Kangaroo)—each symbolizing one of the centre’s rooms. These animals not only celebrate the natural world but also embody the spirit of growth, curiosity, and resilience within the children. Through this vibrant artwork, the space has been transformed into a visual storytelling piece, honouring culture, community, and the children who learn and play there every day.
Hamilton Station Graffiti Management Project
Hamilton Station Graffiti Management Project
The City of Newcastle’s Hamilton Station Park Graffiti Management project was undertaken by UP&UP Inspirations and supported by a Graffiti Management Grant from the Department of Communities and Justice. The aim of the project was to reduce the incidence of graffiti vandalism on the walls and improve the visual appearance of the area. In August and September community engagement sessions were held to encourage a diverse range of community members, residents, asset owners, business, youth and people from different cultures and backgrounds. Islington Public School students were also involved in the project. The community provided input and ideas for the mural designs. Each design aligns with Safer by Design principles and an element of Graffiti art, which in itself is a deterrent to future tagging. The murals send a message to the viewer which is linked to the place.
The featured artists are It Stands Out, Rachel Gunns, Olas One, UP&UP.
Blackbutt Village Revitalisation
Public Art was a key component of the City of Newcastle’s Blackbutt Village revitalisation project. UP&UP was engaged by the City of Newcastle to lead this Public Art element of this space. UP&UP conducted community engagement sessions, inviting local residents and business owners to share their ideas and inspirations for the artwork. Once a collective vision was established, UP&UP engaged local artist Olas One, who transformed these ideas into three stunning murals.
The murals beautifully reflect the unique flora and fauna of the nearby Blackbutt Reserve, celebrating the area’s natural beauty and community spirit. Through this project, public art has not only enhanced the village’s visual appeal but also strengthened local connections and a sense of place.
Hunter Water Mayfield
Hunter Water‘s storm water channel enhancement project is a collaborative effort aimed at improving the local environment. UP&UP has partnered with Dhiiyaa art to bring this project to life. The design engagement involved local primary school students, ensuring the community’s involvement and input.
Watch this mural come to life…..
