Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica (UMB) has signed a cooperation agreement with Záhrada – Center for Independent Culture, a significant community and cultural space that plays an irreplaceable role

This collaboration, carried out within the framework of the European University Alliance EMERGE, builds on the existing partnership between UMB and Záhrada. Both students and university staff have long been involved in organizing events, community activities, and educational initiatives, thereby jointly creating a space for dialogue between the academic sphere and the public.

In the current social context, it is also extremely important to actively support these independent cultural and community spaces. They represent not only meeting places but also safe and open platforms for free discussion, creativity, and civic engagement.

Záhrada as a “third place” in the context of EMERGE

Záhrada is an example of a so-called “third place” — a space that, within the EMERGE alliance’s concept, represents an open, inclusive, and collaborative environment outside the home and workplace.

The concept of “third places,” introduced by Ray Oldenburg, refers to spaces for meeting and exchange that foster collaboration, creativity, and social connections. Within EMERGE, these places are understood as a bridge between universities and society — enabling experiential learning, co-creation, and the exchange of knowledge.

The “third places” at EMERGE offer students, faculty, and res earch staff opportunities to engage in activities outside the academic environment — through internships, collaborative projects, experiential learning, and partnerships with community stakeholders and mentors.

At the same time, they are characterized by the following principles:

• Openness and inclusion – accessible to diverse groups and promoting equality
• Collaboration and co-creation – connecting disciplines, institutions, and communities
• Learning and experimentation – fostering creativity and practical experience
• Capacity building and engagement – enabling individuals and groups to develop initiatives
• Community and solidarity – built through regular meetings and dialogue
• Connecting and sharing knowledge – acting as mediators between the academic and civic spheres
• Openness and informality – creating a trusting and non-hierarchical environment

It is precisely these characteristics that make Záhrada a unique space for developing collaboration and building relationships across sectors.

Specific Areas of Cooperation

The agreement between UMB and Záhrada establishes a framework for systematic cooperation in the following areas:

• organizing internships and research stays for students and faculty within the EMERGE framework,
• developing community-engaged education and research,
• joint presentation of collaboration results at conferences, seminars, and to partners,
• promotion of volunteering and civic engagement through joint activities,
• collaboration aimed at contributing to the functioning of the European university alliance EMERGE.

Why such spaces are important today

The collaboration between UMB and Záhrada is more than just a formal agreement—it is an expression of shared responsibility for supporting spaces that enable encounters, dialogue, and cross-sector collaboration.

In a time of growing societal challenges, “third places” are key to:

• building trust and understanding,
• fostering active citizenship,
• linking academic knowledge with practice,
• creating inclusive and participatory communities.

Through this partnership, UMB reaffirms its commitment to being an active part of the community and contributing to the development of an open and democratic society.