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:
Participation is free of charge, but a registration is required due to limited 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 website, social media channels and newsletter!
-> Accessibility:
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.
For more information: Wheelmap.org.
--> 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.
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
#01 Introduction to freelancing
Online seminar: Wednesday, 8th July | 15 — 18 h
#02 Orientation in taxes and invoicing
Online seminar: Wednesday, 15th July | 15 — 18 h
#03 Künstlersozialkasse (KSK) and social insurance basics
Online seminar: Wednesday, 22nd July | 15 — 18 h
Meet organizations for your start into self-employment! Wednesday, 29th July | 17 – 21 h
#01 Introduction to freelancing
Online seminar: Wednesday, 4th November | 9:30 — 12:30 h
#02 Orientation in taxes and invoicing
Online seminar: Wednesday, 11th November | 9:30 — 12:30 h
#03 Künstlersozialkasse (KSK) and social insurance basics
Online seminar: Wednesday, 18th November | 9:30 — 12:30 h
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
Register here & save your spot!
Session #2
Wednesday, 4th November | 9:30 — 12:30 h
More information will be published on our website soon.
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 transactions within Germany only.
--> Online seminar
--> Speaker: Sebastian Hoffmann | touring artists
Session # 1
Wednesday, 15th July | 15 — 18 h
Register here & save your spot!
Session #2
Wednesday, 1 1th November | 9:30 — 12:30 h
More information will be published on our website soon.
Künstlersozialkasse (KSK) and social insurance basics
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).
Session # 1
Wednesday, 22nd July | 15 — 18 h
--> Online seminar
-> Speakers:
Felix Sodemann | touring artists
Andri Jürgensen | Lawyer specialising in KSK
Kathleen Parker | Managing director
Red Tape, expat coach
Register here
& save your spot!
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
More information will be published on our website soon.
