"Get started!" program booklet 2025

© Alexander Rentsch

Get started!

First steps in self-employment Monthly online seminars and networking events for your start into self-employment in Berlin’s creative scene

10th April — 16th October 2025

In cooperation with:

About Get started!

Step into the world of self-employment in Germany’s dynamic arts and creative sectors with our series of monthly 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.

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.

--> Costs

& registration:

© Alexander Rentsch

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.

All events take place between 10th April and 16th October 2025.

Participation is free of charge, but registration is required due to limi‑ ted capacity. You can already sign up for online seminars. Registration for on-site networking events opens two months prior.

Stay updated via our website, social media and newsletter!

--> Language:

The events are held in English.

All seminars will take place online, the networking events 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.

For more information: Wheelmap.org.

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

© Alexander Rentsch

Get started!

Event overview

#01

Introduction to freelancing Online seminar: Thursday, 10th April | 10 – 13 h

#02

Orientation in taxes and invoicing Online seminar: Thursday, 15th May | 10 – 13 h

#03

Basics of international taxation Online seminar: Thursday, 12th June | 10 – 13 h

#04

Meet organzations for your start into self-employment!

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

#05

Künstlersozialkasse (KSK) and social insurance basics

Session #1

Online seminar: Thursday, 14th August | 10 – 13 h

Session #2 www.kreativkultur.berlin/en/events Podewil, Klosterstr. 68, 10179 Berlin

Online seminar: Thursday, 16th October | 10 – 13 h

© Alexander Rentsch

More information & registration:

#06

Get connected! Join our second networking event!

Networking event: Thursday, 18th September | 17 – 20 h

#01 Introduction to freelancing Thursday, 10th April 2025 | 10 – 13 h What does freelancing mean in Germany?

How is your activity classified? Where do you register and sign up? Navigating the German freelance system can be complex, but this online seminar breaks it down for you. Learn about the key differences between “freelance” activities (Freie Berufe) and other forms of self-employment (Gewerbe).

Understand how to distinguish self-employ‑ ment from employment and spot pseudoself-employment (Scheinselbständigkeit).

© Olga Kovalevska I Urban Lys

--> Online seminar --> Speaker: Sebastian Hoffmann | touring artists --> Register here & save your spot!

#02

#03

Orientation in taxes and invoicing

Basics of international taxation

Thursday, 15th May | 10 – 13 h

Thursday, 12th June | 10 – 13 h

Manage your finances with confidence! Writing invoices, navigating the ‘small business’ rules (Kleinunter‑ nehmer) or understanding the value-added tax (VAT) rules for artists and teachers - freelancing comes with challenges beyond your actual work. This seminar breaks down the German income tax and VAT system for self-employed workers and freelancers, focusing on the rules for transactions within Germany only.

Freelancers and self-employed workers who sell or buy services across borders must deal with special invoicing, VAT and income tax rules. This seminar gives you an overview of these rules for transactions to and from both EU and non-EU countries. Learn how to invoice correctly, how to manage double/withholding taxation for certain cross-border services (fees for performances and licensing) and how to stay up to date with the new EU-wide Small Business Regulation (effective from 2025).

--> Online seminar --> Speaker: Sebastian Hoffmann | touring artists --> Register here & save your spot!

© Pexels

--> Online seminar --> Speaker: Sebastian Hoffmann | touring artists --> Register here & save your spot!

#04 Meet organzations for your start into self-employment!

Thursday, 17th July 2025 | 17 – 20 h Join us at this networking event to engage with Berlin-based organizations and associations that provide support for your journey into self-employment and networking. This event is a market place tailored around the needs of artists who are new to Berlin!

Meet representatives of different branches and scenes, ask questions, connect and expand your network!

© Alexander Rentsch

--> Networking event @Podewil Klosterstraße 68, 10179 --> Save the date! Registration opens mid-May. --> More information will be published soon on our website: www.kreativkultur.berlin/en/events

#05

Session #2

Künstlersozialkasse (KSK) and social insurance basics

Felix Sodemann from touring artists will introduce the KSK and answer general questions. Afterwards, our KSK experts, Andri Jürgensen and Kathleen Parker, will be available to answer any additional and individual questions you may have in breakout sessions.

Thursday, 16th October | 10 – 13 h

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.

--> Online seminar --> Speakers: Felix Sodemann | touring artists Andri Jürgensen | Lawyer Kathleen Parker | Red Tape, expat coach --> Register here & save your spot!

Session #1 Thursday, 14th August | 10 – 13 h Felix Sodemann from touring artists will introduce the KSK and answer general questions.

© Olga Kovalevska I Urban Lys

--> Online seminar --> Speaker: Felix Sodemann | touring artists --> Register here & save your spot!

#06 Get connected!

Join our second networking event!

Thursday, 18th September 2025 I 17 – 20h Be part of another networking event and connect with fellow cultural and creative professionals. Engage in conversations, exchange ideas and expand your network.

More information will be published soon on our website.

© Alexander Rentsch

--> Networking event @Podewil Klosterstraße 68, 10179 Berlin --> Save the date!

Registration opens mid-July.

www.kreativkultur.berlin