Do, 17. Juli 2025  |  17:00-20:00 | In Präsenz

Podewil
Klosterstr. 68, 10179 Berlin

This event is a marketplace tailored to the needs of artists who are new to Berlin!

You'll have the opportunity to get to know these organizations that support your first steps into self-employment and networking in Berlin.
Connect with their representatives in person:

• bbk berlin
• CORRECTIV.Exile
• Creative Service Center
• Goldrausch Künstlerinnenprojekt
• IHK Berlin 
• Initiative neue musik berlin e.V.
• ISI (Initiative Selbständiger Immigrantinnen e.V.)
• Landesmusikrat Berlin
• Lettrétage
• MoveGLOBAL
• Music Pool Berlin  
• Performing Arts Programm
• touring artists

For an exchange with other participants, you have the opportunity to take part in the following round tables: 
Please note! You can only take part in one round table and we have a limited capacity here so we proceed according to the first come first serve principle. 

Career and visa options for non-EU citizens

Melanie Waldheim (UdK Berlin / Artist Training) and Sebastian Hoffmann (touring artists) will discuss your career path depending on the visa and residence permit options for non-EU artists in Germany. Melanie will focus on career opportunities, while Sebastian will address the legal issues surrounding specific types of visas and residence permits, such as work restrictions, switching between  different permit categories, and hybrid work options. 

Defending artistic freedom through collective action 

This session, led by Dejan Marković (board member of bbk berlin, berufsverband bildender künstler*innen berlin) and Felicia Meynersen (project manager, bildungswerk of the bbk berlin), share strategies for organizing, collective acting, and building networks within Berlin’s arts community. Participants will gain insights into the current initiatives and advocacy work of bbk berlin, an association that has supported visual artists across the city for 75 years. They will also gain an overview of the wide ranging further training available for fine artists at bildungswerk of the bbk berlin.

Connecting with confidence 

Echo Xuedan TANG (Berlin-based film curator and cultural producer) will share personal strategies for building authentic and sustainable professional relationships in Berlin’s creative sector. Drawing on her own experience, Echo will offer practical tips for approaching new people, following up after initial conversations, and creating a network that supports both your artistic and personal growth. This is an open invitation to reflect on your own networking challenges, exchange peer advice, and leave with more confidence in building your creative community.

Navigating bureaucracy as an artist and creative professional

Yelta Köm (artist and researcher) will share personal experiences navigating the complex and often overwhelming bureaucratic systems that non-EU artists and creative professionals face in Germany. The session will touch on practical approaches to bureaucratic processes, alternative strategies, and the role of solidarity networks. Most importantly, it will remind us that even the most rigid bureaucratic structures are ultimately made up of people — and that navigating them is also a skill that can be learned and shared.

If you want to connect afterwards with other participants: Join our speed dating session!

This networking event is part of the event series Get started! First steps in self-employment in cooperation with touring artists. This series of online and offline events aims to provide aspiring freelancers with a roadmap to navigate the world of freelancing in Germany. In addition, we would like to provide you with helpful tips, good practice examples and connect you with other artists and creative professionals in Berlin. 

Check out all the events of our event series in our program booklet!

Our on-site events take place at our location, Podewil in Berlin-Mitte. The Klosterstraße subway station, located directly in front of Podewil, is equipped with an elevator. The main entrance to Podewil is accessible via a ramp and an elevator. The back entrance can be reached via another ramp. Feel free to use the intercom to reach our reception team.

Please note: due to structural conditions, the ramp at the main entrance is somewhat steep and narrow. If needed, we’re happy to assist you. An accessible restroom is available.

You can find more information and photos at wheelmap.org.

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

Participation is free of charge. As the number of places is limited, you must register in advance using our registration form.

Information about cancellation:
We would like to give as many cultural and creative professionals as possible the chance to attend our events. If you are unable to attend, we kindly ask you to cancel your registration in advance. Please send an email to beratungszentrum@kulturprojekte.berlin at least 48 hours before the start of the event. This will allow someone else to take part in the event.