Ireland – like most islands – has always had a society made up of diverse communities with varying ideologies and cultures.
The task in the 21st century is to learn both about those groups which have long-established traditions based on the island, and about those which have come to it more recently.
The variety of cultures is expressed through languages, music, symbols, sport, faiths and historical and political perspectives.
The interdependence of all the communities of Northern Ireland is supported by the Community Relations Council through cultural diversity initiatives, events, research and community projects focussed on these areas.