With its project International Artists Information Berlin, touring artists welcomes artists, creatives and culture professionals who were forced to leave their home countries due to the political situation and are now residing in Germany. We provide orientation about the German cultural landscape and the Berlin culture scene in particular. We explain the legal framework for artistic practice in Germany as well as the necessary prerequisites to work here as an artist or creative – especially for artists from countries outside of the EU. We guide you through administration in Germany and help to find the competent contact. All of that to facilitate the continuation of the artistic or creative work in Germany.

This page contains all the information on our website that may be useful for new artists arriving in Berlin.

Information coming soon!

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In the context of International Artists Info Berlin we offer special counselling for artists from countries in crisis who are new to Berlin. The topics we cover within the framework of these counselling units are:

• Setting up a business (introductions to questions about taxes and the artists' social insurance fund)
• Visa and residence (How do I get a visa as a freelance artist? What do I have to do to get my residence permit extended? Can I take on a part-time job as an employee?)
• Introduction to the cultural landscape in Germany (What are the basic funding structures? Which organisation can help/advise me on which topic?)

Detailed information on the counselling services and how to make an appointment can be found here.

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The MONTHLY MEET-UP is a network meeting for transnational artists in Berlin, that are new to Berlin and try to get a foothold here. It will give you the chance

• to get advice on administrative questions relevant for your artistic work in Berlin (such as tax number, KSK (social security fund for artists) or visa issues)
• meet members of Berlin’s art institutions and get to know their work
• meet fellow artists and support each other
• visit shows, performances and exhibitions together

The MONTHLY MEET-UP takes place every third Monday of the month in the Mediathek of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in the Kunstquartier Bethanien. Detailed information on the respective topics and guests can be found on our event page and on social media.

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Many texts in our Infopool also provide introductions to topics that may be relevant when moving to Germany. Here is a list of recommended reading:

• Moving to Germany - How do I get a residence title for freelance work and what do I have to consider after arriving in Germany?
• As Non-EU-citizen within the EU - As a non-EU citizen, can I travel to other EU countries for a guest performance or a show?
• Grainful activity in Germany - Self-employment and employment: What are the differences?
• Access to the German labour market - What activities am I allowed to pursue with my residence title?
• Social insurance in Germany - How does social security work in Germany? What is the KSK?
• The basics of VAT in Germany - What exactly is turnover tax/VAT? What is a "Kleinunternehmer:in"?
• "Bundesreisekostengesetz" - What is the Federal Travel Expenses Act? What flat rates may I charge for domestic and international travel?
• Copyright - How does copyright work in Germany?
• Cultural promotion in Germany - How does cultural promotion work in Germany?
• Tips for submitting an application - What should I look out for when applying for project funding?
• Germany's cultural scene - How are the different cultural scenes in Germany structured? How are they networked?

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