Address by the Student Representative at the Matriculation Ceremony

Your Magnificence, Associate Professor Bohunka Koklesová,
Distinguished members of the academic community,
Dear students,

Through this ceremony, you are entering a university that is courageous, strong, firmly grounded in its values, respectful and open. But I believe you have known this about the Academy of Fine Arts and Design for quite some time already.

Our Academy not only provides a creative and inspiring environment, but above all fosters an environment of critical thinking that encourages all of us to communicate in a civil and respectful manner. When I speak about our Academy, I speak of a community of people who help and support one another and face crises together. We strive to create a safe and caring environment. However, failing to acknowledge what is happening beyond our academic community would be ignorant and selfish.

As future members of the cultural community, you too will have to confront the trauma left by the devastation of the cultural sector across the country. You will be the ones creating art, raising critical questions and reflecting on society. But you are not, and will never be, alone in this undertaking. As a cultural community, we will stand together even after we part ways in a few years. For me personally, AFAD is a home, a place where I enjoy spending time, engaging in discussions and creating art. But it is also a home I found after my own home fell apart. For me, AFAD is one of the few institutions that stand firmly behind democratic values. It is a place that respects freedom of speech and expression, a place that does not turn a blind eye or bow its head where an authoritarian government would expect it to. And this is something I wish more academic institutions in Slovakia would demonstrate: the determination to withstand public pressure as well as pressure from political representatives.

You will come to understand what I am talking about over time, when you look back on your studies a few years from now. Beyond determination, however, you will also find joy, passion for your subjects, love, but also exhaustion. When you reach a point of exhaustion, persevere and do not give up. More often than not, if you keep going, you will eventually experience that "aha!" moment.

As I approach the end of my speech, I want to tell you not to be afraid of anything or anyone. Do not be afraid to be a critical voice. Do not be afraid to speak up about a problem, even if you are the only person in the group to do so. Do not be afraid to research, explore and experiment. Do not be afraid to ask questions and insist on answers. Do not be afraid that no one will listen to you. Our Academy values every single voice that comes from you, its students.

Do not become apathetic. Do not ignore the world around you or simply dismiss problems. Face them directly and with pride. Do not give up on Slovakia, even though it gives us many reasons to leave. You have chosen to stay in Slovakia, and so I want to encourage you, and call upon you, to take an active interest in public affairs and in the issues that shape us as a society. Believe me when I say that we do not stand alone in this struggle for democracy. The leadership of AFAD always stands beside us, offering invaluable support and understanding.

Today, I stand before you speaking about the urgency of not remaining indifferent to our country, our home and our culture. But without the support of the Academy and its students, I would not be able to defend the rights of students, cultural workers and citizens in Slovakia. I believe that you, too, will experience this support. I believe you will have a wonderful time at the Academy, that you will discover how things can be done differently, without aggression, and that you will experience what it means to be proud of an institution. Do not be afraid to think critically, and take an active interest in culture and public affairs.

Thank you.

Bc. Linda Várošová

AFAD Matriculation Ceremony, 19 October 2026