Yorke Peninsula Council, in partnership with Country Arts SA, is thrilled to introduce Molly Flanagan as the region’s new Arts and Cultural Facilitator.

The Arts and Cultural Facilitator role supports the arts and leads the GROUNDED YP Art Festival, assisted by the volunteer Arts and Cultural Working Group. Through this work, the position aims to strengthen community connectedness across all ages through social inclusion, cultural development, civic pride and community identity.

Molly brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for community-driven arts and culture initiatives, and she is eager to connect with the creative minds of the Yorke Peninsula.

Molly’s journey in the arts began on Ngarrindjeri country on the Coorong, where she immersed herself in dance, music, and storytelling.

“I grew up attending dance classes, playing in school bands, and making up songs with my parents,” Molly said.

“Everyone who raised me instilled the idea that singing, dancing, drawing and creating are fundamental human behaviours.”

After completing a Certificate IV in dance with Gravity Dance and studying Psychology and Creative Arts Therapy, Molly blended her artistic talents with community and health work.

“This role is a dream come true,” Molly said.

“I’ve been working to deliver community-focused arts experiences on southern Yorke Peninsula, and this position allows me to expand that work to benefit more communities.

“There’s strong evidence showing how arts engagement supports wellbeing and strengthens communities, and I’ll be leveraging that to bring quality projects and opportunities to Yorkes.”

Molly’s primary goals include supporting community-based arts projects, increasing access to arts experiences, and empowering local artists.

“Yorkes is an incredibly creative community, and I’m here to help take ideas from concept to reality,” she said.

“This region is full of talented artists and active community groups eager to enrich their events and families.”

Community involvement is at the heart of Molly’s approach.

“I want to design projects around community needs, so I’ll be out and about, getting to know people and their ideas,” she said.

“The pacing and people here are so special; everyone gets things done while taking the time to care for each other. Please say hello! I’m new here and eager to connect.”

Molly can be reached at molly.flanagan@countryarts.org.au or 0491 094 553.

 

2025 projects

Molly is already diving into exciting projects, including:

• SYP Sounds (early 2025): This participatory music project, made possible by the Rural Health Innovation Fund, will connect local musicians with young people to co-create original songs.
• The Nest (mid-2025): This music-education initiative, supported by Carclew and facilitated by Connecting the Dots in Music, will involve students from Warooka Primary and surrounding schools in co-creating music inspired by a South Australian storybook.
• GROUNDED YP Art Festival (August 15-24, 2025): Molly is working with the YP Arts & Culture Working Group to plan this 10-day festival of workshops, exhibitions, and events. Nature Studio (early 2025): A free community art event, made possible by Country Arts SA, which invites people of all ages and abilities to celebrate their local landscape through art.
• Nunga Screen (mid-2025): A curated program of exciting short-films by emerging and established First Nations filmmakers, this event is delivered through Country Arts SA and is dedicated to bringing communities together to celebrate culture, stories and language.