Deconfining means thinking out of the box and overcoming boundaries. This was the moto and the title of a large-scale Creative Europe project which I initiated more than 5 years ago. Building intercontinental ecosystems of cooperation is the main learning of the initiative. (Culture) policy needs to engage much more than currently. We have momentum due to evolving geopolitical contexts. It is time for bold future visions, not for fear! In 2021, I wanted to bring forward a vision for enhanced intercontinental cooperation between Africa and Europe, Europe and Africa. Deconfining in the sense of the de-blockage in reflections and going beyond the obvious in intercontinental relations. Building bridges with culture, arts, creative industries and heritage as well as with visionary cultural policy. In June 2026 in the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025, we celebrated the final conference of the Deconfining project – a large-scale demonstrator in many dimensions for a novel intercontinental approach which includes e. g. planning of common actions as a co-creative process, involvement of substantial crowds and knowledge from both continents, novel distribution of funds benefited all, emblematic contexts like the Capitals of Culture (ECoCs, ACoCs) for enhanced visibility, award-winning co-created theatre productions toured both continents, philosophical insights on new mobility, cultural policy guidance to build integrated cooperation frameworks based on African-European potential to become an intercontinental model. However, current international cultural policy is perceived of being difficult. But many contexts also move towards favourable action for cooperation with e. g. emerging large-scale culture financing schemes from the private sector and global culture policy initiatives (Mondiacult). We should not miss opportunities now. It is time to be courageous for a future of cooperation between the continents. With Deconfining, we provide another proof of concept. We are able to cooperate across continents! The expectations of the cultural sectors on both continents – Africa and Europe – are for more and not less cultural exchange and as well as solid cooperation (frameworks). Thanks to all those who engaged in constructive ways for the project! Special thanks to Samba Yonga , Ukhona Ntsali Mlandu, to Keba Daffé and the whole team in Ségou, Henrik Dagfinrud from Bodø2024 as well as Christina Jaritsch from Aufbruch, Salzkammergut! We need to continue a multiannual transformation process for advanced intercontinental cultural relations policies. Here you can read our proposal.