YeMistechko – “Third Places” in Ukraine: how cultural institutions become community hubs during wartime

YeMistechko – “Third Places” in Ukraine: how cultural institutions become community hubs during wartime

Introduction
War affects not only infrastructure but also cultural identity. The program YeMistechko – “Third Places” by the EVZ Foundation helps museums, libraries, and cultural centers transform into safe and inclusive community hubs that provide resilience and social cohesion.

Program overview
The EVZ Foundation supports cultural institutions in Ukraine that aim to become “third places” — spaces for memory, education, and social life. The initiative provides resources to strengthen their role as open and safe environments where people can meet, learn, and connect in difficult times.

Who can apply
Eligible applicants include museums, libraries, cultural and memory centers in Ukraine. These institutions should already function or plan to transform into a “third place” that welcomes diverse communities.

What is funded
The program supports:

  • strengthening institutions as “third places” of culture, memory, and community;
  • initiatives fostering social cohesion and inclusion of vulnerable groups;
  • projects engaging youth, veterans, IDPs, minorities, and local communities in cultural and civic life.

Key details

  • Deadline: September 30, 2025
  • Format: online application in German or Ukrainian
  • Source: see full program details here

How to apply for YeMistechko 
Applications are submitted through the official EVZ Foundation website. Applicants must provide a detailed description of the institution, project goals, planned activities, target groups, and expected impact.

Why it matters now
In wartime, “third places” are not just cultural venues. They serve as safe spaces where people find support, preserve memory, and foster resilience. Strengthening cultural institutions today means building the foundation for recovery and community cohesion tomorrow.

Final note
Seize this opportunity with the GetGrant platform — here you will find guidance, tools, and other funding programs that empower Ukrainian communities and culture.