Graduation ceremony speech of the rector of the AFAD

 

Dear graduates of the master’s and doctoral degree programs, esteemed ceremonial assembly,

 

 

You have completed your studies at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava, and today you will be awarded an academic degree. Through this ceremonial graduation, we also symbolically send you off into artistic and cultural practice.

 

For the first time in my years of holding this position, I am concerned about your professional prospects. My concerns are not related to doubts about your talent, education, or determination—they stem from the systematic dismantling of cultural infrastructure by political appointees. The conditions of practice have deteriorated in many galleries and cultural institutions, to the detriment of expertise, competence, and employment opportunities for talented young people. Funds meant to support your artistic projects are under political and ideological control by board members appointed by the Minister. Many of you may be considering leaving Slovakia in search of better working and living conditions. The past academic year was your thesis year, and it was not easy—it was marked by tension due to the erosion of transparent and democratic processes in culture, the rejection of support for minorities and sexual diversity, and thus for human rights as well as a general weakening of creative and expressive freedom.

 

But the purpose of ceremonial speeches should above all be hope, the effort to find meaning in life even when its existential potential sinks into shadow. To see value in a crisis that generates new ways of thinking and being—for individuals, communities, and society as a whole. That’s why I decided to formulate a few notes that might help you reflect on your journey through a creative life. I also hope they help you let go of fear about your future artistic practice.

 

1. My first note is the awareness that art and culture are not narrowly defined segments of our society. They are part of the life of all of us, regardless of the region we come from or the type of work we do. Culture in the broadest sense is a part of our daily lives—it reflects our traditions and future plans. Through your artistic or cultural activities, you can speak to a wide audience. It is up to you which stories you choose to tell. But please keep in mind that your works and activities have the potential to rebuild social cohesion in Slovakia. Collective experiences of meaningful activities create a foundation for trust among us and reduce societal polarization. Cohesion is what holds a country together. Art and culture speak the language that binds us and builds our shared identity. At school, we taught you art and thinking about art, but we also hoped to model civic engagement and a refusal to tolerate injustice. This, too, is cohesion—or social cohesion. It’s good to look at the world through a broader lens.
2. My second note builds on the first. My personal experience from the past academic year showed me that cultural activities and various types of engagements can strengthen democracy in our society. At a time when democracy in our country is weakening, it is essential to unite in its defense. Over the past year, the cultural sector has united in a way unprecedented in the history of the independent Slovak Republic. We may not always agree as its members, but what binds us is trust, solidarity, and a shared effort to achieve the common good. Again, this is how we build collective cohesion. This experience is not yet shared by all of Slovak society, but I believe a new narrative is emerging that will reach other segments of society—thanks in part to you and your artistic projects. Telling the story of present-day Slovakia is the foundation for identifying the qualities of our society that we can be proud of. That’s why we ask: What defines us? What holds us together? In what visual or literary language can we express who we are? How do we shed the burden of false patriotism and national hypocrisy?
3. My third note is a declaration of love for the Slovak land. I like to use the phrase "Slovak land"—it is a familiar and heartfelt way of affirming my connection to a country I deeply love. I am proud of our nature, culture, and the people who live and work here. Living in our country means perceiving and understanding all its contexts and nuances—those we can laugh about, cry over, or experience deeply because we understand the circumstances behind them. If some of you decide to live elsewhere, I believe your work will always grow from Slovakia. Your creative work abroad will be your Slovakia, and we will all be there with you. You can speak of Slovakia from anywhere in the world, but I hope you will still claim this land—and our school—as your own.
4. My fourth and final note concerns the quality of art. Despite the unfavorable socio-political climate we live in, I believe that the quality of art does not diminish. I think crisis generates quality, reflected not only in art but also in our relationships. I see this in many of your diploma and dissertation projects—you choose strong topics, articulate your intentions clearly, and the visual quality is exceptional. You are creative and thoughtful. It's as if the mobilization in defense of Slovak art and culture is sharpening our collective vision. This broader context gives us the courage to take more radical positions in our works and to make decisions that benefit the reform of art education for the 21st century. I believe this experience will be sustainable, because the present destruction in the cultural sector will remain long in our memories. This year, I have decided to award more Rector’s Prizes for diploma work than usual. You are a strong cohort—artistically engaged and civically active.

 

At the end of my address, I would like to turn to our Ukrainian graduates. I have done this every year since the war in Ukraine began. This is already the fourth year of Russian military aggression on Ukrainian territory. We are with you every single day of this military conflict. Together with my colleagues, I believe in a just peace that will one day come. Many of you do not have your families here, and I want you to know that today, we are all your family.

To all graduates of the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava, I wish much happiness, love, and art.

 

Bohunka Koklesová

Rector of AFAD

July 3, 2025