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Get started! First steps in self-employment Two rounds of online seminars and a networking event for your start into self-employment in Berlin’s creative scene In cooperation with:

08th — 29th July 2026 04th — 18th November 2026

Kreativ Kultur Berlin is the first point of contact for cultural and creative professionals in Berlin who have questions about project financing, cultural funding, professionalization and self-employment, or who are planning a start-up business. Our experienced consultants provide information, advice and networking opportunities across all sectors and industries – supporting everyone from artists to start-ups. Competent, unbureaucratic and free of charge.

Our cooperation partner touring artists is an information platform and free advice service specializing in artists working internationally. Focusing on administrative issues from visas and taxes to health insurance and customs, touring artists helps navigate the complexities of international mobility and supports newly arrived artists in Berlin by offering orientation consultations.

About Get started! Step into the world of self-employment in Germany’s dynamic arts and creative sectors with our event series “Get started!” in cooperation with touring artists. The programme unfolds in two identical online seminar rounds and one networking event. From taxes to health insurance and pension basics: We offer valuable insights for your start into self-employment in the arts or creative industries. In addition, you have the opportunity to meet organizations that support your journey into self-employment and connect with other artists and creative professionals in Berlin.

All events take place in July and November 2026.

-> Costs & registration:

-> Accessibility:

Participation is free of charge, but a registration is required due to limi‑ ted capacity. Registration for the online seminars of the first round (July) is already open. Registration for the second round (November) and the on-site networking event (July) will open approximately two months before the respective events. Stay updated via our web‑ site, social media channels and newsletter!

The Klosterstraße subway station, located directly in front of Podewil, is equipped with an elevator. You can access our building via a ramp and an elevator. Feel free to use the intercom to reach our reception team. If needed, we’re happy to assist you. An accessible restroom is available.

-> Language: The events are held in English. All seminars will take place online, the networking event will be onsite in Berlin-Mitte at Podewil, Klosterstraße 68, 10179 Berlin.

For more information: Wheelmap.org. Do you have questions or need assistance? Feel free to contact us: beratungszentrum@kulturprojekte.berlin 030 247 49 - 778

More information & registration: www.kreativkultur.berlin/en/events Podewil, Klosterstr. 68, 10179 Berlin

Get started! Event overview #01

Round 01 — July

Introduction to freelancing Online seminar: Wednesday, 8th July | 15 — 18 h

in taxes and invoicing #02 Orientation Online seminar: Wednesday, 15th July | 15 — 18 h (KSK) and social insurance basics #03 Künstlersozialkasse Online seminar: Wednesday, 22nd July | 15 — 18 h

Networking event

Meet organizations for your start into self-employment! Wednesday, 29th July | 17 – 21 h

#01

Round 02 — November

Introduction to freelancing Online seminar: Wednesday, 4th November | 9:30 — 12:30 h

in taxes and invoicing #02 Orientation Online seminar: Wednesday, 11th November | 9:30 — 12:30 h (KSK) and social insurance basics #03 Künstlersozialkasse Online seminar: Wednesday, 18th November | 9:30 — 12:30 h

#01 Introduction to freelancing What does freelancing mean in Germany? How is your activity classified? Where do you register and sign up? Navigating Germany’s freelancing system can be complex, but this online seminar breaks it down for you. Learn the key differences between “freelance” activities (Freie Berufe) and other forms of self-employment (Gewerbe), understand how to differentiate self-employment from employment and spot pseudo-self-employment (Scheinselbstständigkeit).

-> Online seminar -> Speakers: Sebastian Hoffmann | touring artists Kathleen Parker | Managing director Red Tape, expat coach

Session #1

Wednesday, 8th July | 15 — 18 h

Session #2

Wednesday, 4th November | 9:30 — 12:30 h Register here & save your spot!

#02 Orientation in taxes and invoicing Manage your finances with confidence! Writing invoices, navigating the “Kleinunternehmer” regulation, or understanding special value-added tax (VAT) regulations for artists and teachers — freelancing comes with challenges beyond your actual work. This seminar breaks down Germany’s income tax and VAT system for selfemployed persons and freelancers, focusing on regulations for trans‑ actions within Germany only.

-> Online seminar -> Speaker: Sebastian Hoffmann | touring artists

Session #1

Wednesday, 15th July | 15 — 18 h

Session #2

Wednesday, 11th November | 9:30 — 12:30 h Register here & save your spot!

#03 Künstlersozialkasse (KSK) and social insurance basics What is the Künstlersozialkasse (KSK), and how do you become a member? What should you know about the application process and what happens once you’re insured? What if you can’t join the KSK, and what other insurance options should you consider? This seminar is offered twice, providing insights into the Künstlersozialkasse (KSK) and social insurance for artists and freelancers.

Session #1

Wednesday, 22nd July | 15 — 18 h -> Online seminar -> Speakers: Sebastian Hoffmann | touring artists Andri Jürgensen | Lawyer specialising in KSK Kathleen Parker | Managing director Red Tape, expat coach

Session #2

Wednesday, 18th November | 9:30–12:30 h -> Online seminar -> Speakers: Sebastian Hoffmann | touring artists Andri Jürgensen | Lawyer specialising in KSK Kathleen Parker | Managing director Red Tape, expat coach Register here & save your spot!

Networking event Meet organizations for your start into self-employment! Wednesday, 29th July I 17-21 h This event is a marketplace tailored to the needs of artists who are new to Berlin. You will have the opportunity to meet different organisations that can support you in taking your first steps towards self-employment and networking in Berlin. You can take part in small-group sessions or join our speed networking to meet other participants. Engage with representatives of various sectors and scenes, ask questions, make connections and expand your network! More information will be published soon.

-> Networking event @Podewil Klosterstraße 68, 10179 Berlin -> Save the date! Registration opens end of May.

More information will be published on our website soon.

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