Socio-Historical Context, Mapping of Existing Projects and Obstacles

At a time when cultural cooperation between Africa and Europe is being redefined, Cultural Cooperation between the African Continent and the States of Central and Eastern Europe offers a timely and necessary exploration of artistic exchange beyond dominant Western European frameworks. Through interviews, case studies, policy analysis, and mappings of existing initiatives, the study uncovers a complex landscape of collaboration shaped by historical legacies, political realities, mobility challenges, and emerging networks of solidarity.

Rather than presenting a single narrative, the research reveals a rich mosaic of experiences and perspectives across Central and Eastern Europe and the African continent. It highlights both the transformative potential of intercultural cooperation and the structural obstacles that continue to limit equitable exchange — from funding disparities and visa restrictions to uneven institutional support and limited visibility.

Developed within the framework of the Deconfining Arts, Culture and Policies in Europe and Africa project (Creative Europe Culture Programme, 2022–2026), the study contributes to a broader conversation on how more sustainable, inclusive, and mutually beneficial cultural relations can be built across continents in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.