Do, 18. September 2025  |  17:00-20:00 | In Präsenz

Podewil
Klosterstr. 68, 10179 Berlin

Global crises, public funding cuts and precarious working conditions require more and more resilience from artists and cultural professionals. The importance of synergies, sharing skills and resources is well known. Many professionals are joining forces and the desire for networks to support each other is growing louder. However, artists and cultural practitioners who are new to Berlin often do not yet have a network and need to establish themselves here first.

At this networking event we want to share ideas on how artists and cultural professionals can strengthen each other through collective practice and how they can build their own community to support each other in order to become part of a resourceful network.

In a panel discussion we will discuss different aspects of collective practice – from support groups and one-on-one meetings to building and working in networks.

Afterwards, you have the opportunity to join our speed dating session, take part in group sessions OR talk to the speaker Chang Nai Wen in an individual consulation.  
Please note! We have a limited capacity for the group sessions and the individual consultation so we proceed here according to the first come first serve principle.  

Practicing support: Peer tools for collective care
This group session is an invitation to consider what kinds of care we long for and how we might begin to build sustainable systems of mutual support beyond institutions. Together, we’ll explore the fact that support doesn’t look the same for everyone. Participants will be grouped based on shared needs or approaches to care and invited to try out a peer-to-peer support exchange in small circles. By the end, participants will leave with a sense of what a support structure could look like for them, and some tools to begin forming or continuing one with others. This group session will be led by Zeren Oruc, an independent curator and artist, whose practice includes curatorial sessions for artists and peer-to-peer care initiatives rooted in mental health and transparency in the arts.

Self-empowerment through community work in the arts
In this group session we invite you to explore self-empowerment through community engagement and collective action in the arts. What is a community, and what does community work look like? How can we empower ourselves by finding or building our communities? What unique opportunities and challenges arise when organizing within a network, and how can we amplify our voices, perspectives, and work through collaboration? Kim D. Vu, member of Decolonoize, and Marque Pham, founder of MSG & Friends and co-founder of United Networks will share insights from their experiences. They will talk about how they began building or joining networks, the lessons learned, and the ways these networks have shaped their work and strengthened collective impact. MSG & Friends and Decolonoize are two of the eight alliance partners within United Networks, a Germany-wide initiative dedicated to equity, cultural justice, and collaborative action. The alliance is led by racialised and marginalised (RaM) cultural practitioners, working for the empowerment and visibility of RaM communities.

How to find bridges: strategies and collaborations across diasporic and queer collectives in Berlin
This group session explores how artists can find bridges beyond and within their diasporic social ties and how they can build connections through collaborative support structures. How do these collectives influence the individual creative work and opportunities of artists? What informal or formal networks help sustain collaboration and mutual aid? How can solidarity be built, especially amid crisis, exclusion and unstable conditions in Berlin’s art scene? Sarnt Utamachote, nonbinary filmmaker and curator, will discuss these questions and share their experiences of using filmmaking and curation as bridge between communities.

Get active: Peer to peer consultation
 Peer to peer consultation (Kollegiale Beratung) is a peer learning method that offers self-empowering insights and teaches participants how to approach challenges in a solution-oriented manner. At the core of the method is always one person (case presenter) seeking advice in a specific, recent challenge. The person describes the challenge in their own words at the beginning of the session. In dialogue with a facilitator, the person formulates  the core question. The peer group listens, then discusses the challenge and finally develops concrete ideas  that could help to overcome it. This session is led by Eva Kiltz, a musician and cultural manager, who is an expert in peer learning and networking formats and focuses on cultural entrepreneurship and innovation practices in the creative economy. Do you have a case that you would like to discuss with others? We are still looking for case presenters! 

Individual consultation with Chang Nai Wen
Do you have specific questions about building connections, sharing resources and staying strong in challenging times - for yourself or your collective? Sign up on-site for a 20-minute slot with panelist Chang Nai Wen. Nai Wen is a director, producer, and equity advocate, founder of Sisyphos, der Flugelefant (SdF) as well as initiator and co-founder of the Germany-wide alliance United Networks - both dedicated to amplifying marginalised voices, fostering collaborative leadership and advancing cultural justice.

This networking event is part of our 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.