Mother Tongues

Mother Tongues is Ireland’s first non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting multilingualism and celebrating cultural and linguistic diversity through the arts. For over eight years, we have developed programmes and partnerships across the arts, culture, and education sectors, working with families, schools, artists and communities. Our mission is to create inclusive, high-quality artistic experiences that- Empower children and families from diverse backgrounds - Support artists working in multiple languages - Foster a more equitable and culturally rich society in Ireland Why this matters: Ireland is now one of the most linguistically diverse countries in Europe, with over 200 languages spoken in homes nationwide. Yet systemic barriers still disconnect too many children from their linguistic and cultural heritage. We believe integration must go beyond inclusion, it must ensure belonging, participation and visibility. Through advocacy, education, and the arts, we: Build bridges between communities Spark joy and pride in multilingualism 🤝 Provide 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 providing access to resources to guide their journey. At Mother Tongues, we believe that a multilingual Ireland is a stronger Ireland. By opening doors to all languages and cultures, we are helping to create a society where everyone can feel seen, valued, and able to flourish.