Mother Tongues, Minority and Heritage Language Association Company Limited by Guarantee

Mother Tongues is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting multilingualism and celebrating cultural and linguistic diversity through the arts.
As Ireland’s first organisation of its kind, our mission is to promote a more inclusive approach to language and culture. For the past eight years, we have developed programmes and partnerships across the arts, culture, and education sectors. Through advocacy, education and the arts, we empower communities to celebrate cultural identity and break down barriers that lead to racism and social isolation.
Our mission is to create inclusive, high-quality artistic experiences that empower children and families from diverse backgrounds, support artists working in multiple languages and foster a more equitable and culturally rich society in Ireland.

Why this matters now
Ireland is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in Europe, with over 200 languages spoken in homes across the country. Yet, too many children grow up disconnected from their linguistic and cultural heritage due to systemic barriers. Integration is not simply about inclusion, it’s about belonging, participation and visibility.

Mother Tongues meets this moment with urgency and creativity. We build bridges between communities, spark joy and pride in multilingualism, and provide concrete pathways for families and artists to thrive.

We support families in making the most of their mother tongues by offering creative programmes that encourage child language development, sharing information and giving access to resources to help them on their journey. We believe that a multilingual Ireland is a stronger Ireland. By promoting openness to all languages and cultures, we are fostering a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive.