Program booklet "Get started!" 2024

Get started!

First steps in self-employment

Online seminars and networking events for your start into self-employment in Berlin’s creative scene

11th July – 21st August 2024

In cooperation with:

Kreativ Kultur Berlin

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.

About Get started!

Step into the world of self-employment in Germany‘s dynamic arts and creative sectors with our series of online and offline events in cooperation with touring artists. 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, our expert speakers offer tips, good practice examples and connect you with other artists and creative professionals in Berlin.

All events take place between 11th July and 21st August 2024.

--> Costs & registration:

Participation is free of charge, but a registration is obligatory because of limited capacities.

--> Language:

The events are held in English. All seminars will take place online, the networking events, however, will be on-site in Berlin-Mitte at Podewil Klosterstraße 68, 10179 Berlin

--> Accessibility:

Our location Podewil is partially accessible. The Klosterstraße subway station, located directly in front of the Podewil, has an elevator. You can access our building via a ramp and an elevator. We are happy to assist you with door opening. An accessible restroom is available. Do you have questions or need assistance? Feel free to contact us: beratungszentrum@kulturprojekte.berlin 030 247 49 - 778

Event overview Get started!

#01 Development opportunities for international artists in Berlin

Networking event: Thursday, 11th July | 17 – 20 h

#02 Introduction to freelancing

Online seminar: Thursday, 18th July 2024 | 16 – 18:30 h

#03 Orientation in taxes and invoicing

Online seminar: Thursday, 25th July | 16 – 18:30 h

#04 Basics of international taxing for freelancers

Online seminar: Thursday, 01st August | 16 – 18:30 h

#05 Introduction to Künstlersozialkasse (KSK)

Online seminar: Thursday, 08th August | 10 – 13 h

#06 Health and pension insurance basics

Online seminar: Thursday, 15th August | 16 – 18:30 h

#07 Berlin‘s organizations for international artists

Networking event: Wednesday, 21st August 2024 I 17 – 20 h

Development opportunities for international artists in Berlin

Thursday, 11th July | 17 – 20 h

Does a German university degree offer better career or networking perspectives? This event explores how studying can help kickstart a freelancing career in Germany, but also looks at alternatives to an academic path. Engage with cultural and creative professionals during a panel talk, take the opportunity to network and get together in an open dialogue.

--> Networking event @Podewil Klosterstraße 68, 10179 Berlin

--> Register here & save your spot

Introduction to freelancing

Thursday, 18th July 2024 | 16 – 18:30 h

What different freelancing types exist in Germany? With this online seminar we offer an initial overview of the first steps to take as a selfemployed person in Germany. We will introduce the core differences between freelancing and regular employment and the different types of freelancing.

--> Online seminar

--> Speaker: Sebastian Hoffmann | touring artists

--> Register here & save your spot

Orientation in taxes and invoicing

Thursday, 25th July | 16 – 18:30 h

Are you struggling to write an invoice or a quote? Unsure about how to write invoices abroad? Or have you been wondering what the income tax, value-added tax (VAT) and so called “small businessperson regulation” (KleinunternehmerRegelung) is? Look no further! This online seminar offers information and guidance about taxes and invoicing in Germany.

--> Online seminar

--> Speaker: Sebastian Hoffmann | touring artists

--> Register here & save your spot

Basics of international taxing for freelancers

Thursday, 01st August | 16 – 18:30 h

For many freelancers, working with clients outside of Germany means dealing with special regulations for invoicing across borders. In this seminar, we‘ll look at the basics of invoicing for services and selling goods across borders, both to clients in and outside the EU.

We’ll focus on the basics of cross-border value-added tax (VAT) regulations, including the reverse charge procedure for invoices to business clients. You‘ll also learn about the basics of withholding tax for specific services (i.e. performances) and licensing fees for projects outside of Germany. This workshop covers transactions from Germany to other countries as well.

--> Online seminar

--> Speaker: Sebastian Hoffmann | touring artists

--> Register here & save your spot

Introduction to Künstlersozialkasse (KSK)

Thursday, 08th August | 10 – 13 h

What is the Künstlersozialkasse (KSK) and how does it work? How do I join the KSK and what do I need to know when applying? Once I‘m a member, what are the important things to keep in mind? Felix Sodemann from touring artists will introduce the KSK and answer some basic questions. Afterwards, our KSK experts Andri Jürgensen and Kathleen Parker are available to answer any additional and your individual questions during a Q&A session.

--> Online seminar

--> Speakers:

Felix Sodemann | touring artists

Andri Jürgensen | Lawyer

Kathleen Parker | Red Tape, expat coach

--> Register here & save your spot

Health and pension insurance basics

Thursday, 15th August | 16 – 18:30 h

What are the different categories of the German health insurance system? What should you look out for? What other insurance types are there in Germany? In this online seminar you’ll get an overview of the different options for health insurances. Furthermore, our speaker offers information on pension and unemployment insurance. In addition, you’ll receive a first overview of the framework conditions of the Künstlersozialkasse (KSK), which ensures that self-employed artists and creatives get a similar protection in the social insurance system as employees.

--> Online seminar

--> Speaker: Felix Sodemann | touring artists

--> Register here & save your spot

Berlin‘s organizations for international artists

Wednesday, 21st August 2024 I 17 – 20 h

Get to know Berlin-based professional associations and organizations that support international artists and creative professionals. Connect with representatives at this networking event. You can also explore opportunities to become a member, access consultation services or expand your own network. There will also be a live panel discussion on improving the representation of international artists in Berlin‘s cultural scene. You’re invited to participate – don’t miss out on valuable insights and connections!

--> Networking event @Podewil Klosterstraße 68, 10179 Berlin

--> Register here & save your spot