Consultation and support services
Are you interested in consultation, networking or support services? Berlin offers a wide range of opportunities for cultural and creative professionals - free of charge, funded, or for a small fee. Here, we have compiled various opportunities for you, clustered by sector and field.
Open to all divisions
What’s it about?
The National Contact Point for the Promotion of Culture of the European Union
Division/Sector:
Visual arts, Performing arts, Literature/books, Music, Design, Heritage/memorial culture, Digital arts, Interdisciplinary, Open/sectoral, Cultural education.
Target group:
Organizations (legal entities) from the cultural and creative sectors that (want to) work across borders.
Topics:
Information, networking, and advice on EU funding Creative Europe Culture; information and advice on other EU funding opportunities, making funded projects visible, application and project conception, management and cost and financing plan, cross-border cooperation.
Regions:
Germany-wide
Services:
Individual consultation, expert consultation; project partner search, seminars, events, newsletter.
Costs:
Free of charge
Appointment:
Via e-mail or telephone
Languages:
German, English
Homepage:
https://kultur.creative-europe-desk.de/nc/homepage.html
What's it about?
Consulting and qualification offers around the topic of self-employment in the cultural and creative industries
Division/Sector
Visual arts, performing arts, design, digital arts, film/media, cultural education, literature/books, music, journalism/press, socioculture, humanities scholars
Target group:
Artists, creatives, cultural workers from Berlin, especially from the fields of performing and visual arts, music, literature, photography/visual media, digital media, design/fashion design, self-employed, founders, graduates, re-entrants.
Some offers especially for women, English speaking artists and creatives in Berlin.
Regions:
Berlin
Topics:
Professionalization of entrepreneurial activity: business model development, (self-)management, market positioning/profiling, communication, marketing, acquisition strategies, networking, soft skills, tools/techniques;
Basics of self-employment: taxes, legal forms, accounting, social security/KSK; development opportunities as artists or creatives: new/reorientation, re-entry, career perspectives, equality for women; financing/funding: cultural financing, crowdfunding, fundraising, sponsoring;
Cultural education: Offer development, profile building, mediation concepts, self-marketing, financing.
Services:
Open consulting, accompanying consulting, expert consulting,
Consulting for women - individually or in teams; seminars/workshops, continuing education programs, newsletters;
Process support: mixture of further education programs and accompanying consulting/coaching
English program: Advice, seminars, workshops for artists and creatives living in Berlin
ARTWert program: compact, modular offers (seminars and workshops, mostly one to two days) on the topic of self-employment in the cultural and creative industries
ARTPAED program: individual counseling, one-day seminars, certificate course for cultural education specialists
Costs:
90-minute initial consultation free of charge
ARTWert: participation fee 60 €
>> max. 40 hours /5 days for members of the independent scene (visual arts, performing arts, music, books/literature);
>> max. 20 hours/2.5 days for creatives from the fields of design, film, press, broadcasting
ARTPAED: consulting free of charge, seminars 30 €, certificate course 200 €
funded by the European Social Fund (Qualification in the Cultural Industries), the Senate Department for Culture and Europe, the Senate Department for Equality and the Pfefferwerk Foundation
Appointment:
Via online registration form
Languages:
German, English
Homepage:
https://wetek.de/creative
https://wetek.de/creative/english/
What’s it about?
Diversity and Antidiscrimination in the Arts and Culture Sector
Division/Sector:
Open to all divisions
Target group:
Institutions planning diversity-oriented measures, cultural workers and artists from marginalized communities
Regions:
Berlin
Topics:
Diversity, anti-discrimination, accessibility, inclusion
Services:
Initial consultation and workshops for cultural workers and institutions planning diversity-oriented measures, initial consultations on accessibility, establishing contacts with trainers and experts, networking, empowerment workshops for marginalized art and culture workers, anti-discrimination consultation for art and culture workers who (have) experienced discrimination, information material on the website.
Costs:
Free of charge
Appointments:
Initial consultations for institutions always on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10:00 and 12:00, inquiries via beratung@diversity-arts-culture.berlin, appointments for anti-discrimination counseling on request via antidiskriminierung@diversity-arts-culture.berlin
Languages:
German, English
Homepage:
https://diversity-arts-culture.berlin/
What’s it about?
Information portal & consultation for internationally mobile artists and creatives
Division/Sector:
Open to all divisions
Target group:
Artists, creatives, and cultural practitioners from Germany who are temporarily working abroad, who are temporarily working in Germany, who have newly moved to Germany from abroad, or who are working in Germany with artists based abroad
Regions:
International - EU/world, Germany-related
Topics:
Administrative rules of international working: visa/residency, entry, transport/customs, insurance, taxes, contracts, status, social security; international mobility: organization, preparations for artistic stays abroad, mobility funding, residencies; administrative fundamentals of working in Germany for artists newly arrived from abroad: Orientation consultations on residence permits, health insurance, etc.
Services:
Individual consultations; online information portal, checklists, sample documents; monthly meet-up, newsletter, workshops and seminars.
Costs:
Free of charge
Appointments:
By e-mail: beratung@touring-artists.info
Languages:
German, English, Turkish
Homepage:
https://www.touring-artists.info/home / detailed info about the consulting offer here
What’s it about?
Training for qualification, consulting and networking of professional artists in exile as well as consulting for all those who are looking for access to the Universität der Künste Berlin (UdK Berlin) as students, alumni, professionals or scientists.
Division/Sector:
Visual arts, performing arts, music, film
Target group:
Exiled artists* in the fields of music, visual arts, performing arts and film
Regions:
Berlin
Topics:
Pursuing artistic or creative studies as well as an academic career at the UdK Berlin, self-presentation as an artist / curriculum vitae, positioning on the job market as a freelancer, networking in the artistic and creative field, financing, diversity-sensitive transformation work: artist training lab with podcast and symposium
Services:
Weekly office hours, coaching programs, online workshops.
Costs:
Free of charge
Appointments:
Via registration form
Languages:
German, English
Homepage:
www.udk-berlin.de/ziw/artisttraining
What’s it about?
Consultation on the KOMPASS funding program of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs for solo self-employed persons
Target group:
Solo self-employed persons from the cultural and creative industries in their full-time occupation with a maximum of one full-time employee (part-time employees apply proportionately), commercial or freelance, self-employment must have existed for at least two years
Regions:
Berlin
Topics:
Professional qualifications or further training measures for solo self-employed persons to secure their professional existence and/or increase the stability of their business model, funding conditions of the KOMPASS further training program
Services:
Initial meeting, determination of the business qualification needs, issue of a qualification check for a specific qualification measure, network meeting for the self-employed
Costs:
Free of charge
Appointment:
Via online form
Languages:
German, English, Dutch
Homepage:
https://creative-support.info/
Fine Arts
What’s it about?
Advice & support for visual artists from Germany and abroad with their (new) start in Berlin.
Target group:
Visual artists who are new in Berlin and/or who are starting their own business as an artist.
Regions:
Berlin
Topics:
a) questions about the artist’s profession, orientation in the art city of Berlin: production/working conditions, institutions and funding bodies relevant to the profession;
b) general information: Law/residence permit, taxes, registration with the tax office, insurance/KSK, benefits, Jobcenter/Agentur für Arbeit;
c) Assistance in the realization of artistic projects: Financing, cooperation partners, spaces
d) Self-marketing, positioning, self-management, image editing/digital media, communication, artistic practice, work development, art market, publishing, art & law, taxes/accounting, funding & project applications, etc.
Services:
Consultation appointments: a) orientation consultation, b) social consultation, c) project consultation; guidebook, newsletter;
in addition, at the bildungswerk of the bbk: d) seminars, workshops, coaching, lectures and information events - in several languages, subject to a fee
Costs:
Consultation services free of charge
Appointment:
Pre-registration via email (welcome@bbk-kulturwerk.de) incl. consulting focus/questions and CV or website link
languages:
German, English
Homepage:
https://www.bbk-kulturwerk.de/buero-fuer-kuenstlerinnen-beratung/beratungsangebot
What is it about?
Art Up Now accompanies visual artists in weekly workshops, individual coaching sessions and the joint preparation of a group exhibition in the project space Bethanien over a period of about 6 months to position themselves more professionally as solo self-employed artists in order to achieve more visibility and income with their own work.
Target groups:
Visual artists
Topics:
Self-marketing, positioning, communication, artistic practice, art market, strategic networking, legal issues, taxes/accounting, grants & project applications, self-management, time management/work organization & self-care, using new digital tools & opportunities, digital networking, institutions relevant to the profession, finance, insurance/KSK, curation.
Workshop topics will be determined to fit the group after initial consultations are completed.
Regions:
Berlin
Services:
Workshops on artistic independence (3 dates), collegial consultation on specialist topics (3 dates), workshop curation in preparation for the final group exhibition (5 dates), 15 hours of individual coaching, group exhibition in the Bethanien project space.
Cost:
178,50 € for all modules
89,25 € reduced when receiving ALG I/II (*incl. VAT)
Payment in 4 installments possible.
In case of financial difficulties please contact Art Up Now. They will find a suitable solution.
Appointment:
Registration and queries by e-mail: artup@lok-berlin.de
Languages:
German from B1
They will be happy to help with language barriers!
Aiutiamo volentieri a superare le barriere linguistiche!
Homepage:
www.art-up-berlin.de
Performing Arts
What’s it about?
Initial orientation in the dance scene for new Berliners as well as in-depth information and networking opportunities.
Target group:
Dance professionals, dancers, choreographers, dance educators, production managers, dramaturgs, journalists, viewers/dance audiences.
Regions:
Berlin
Topics:
Orientation in the Berlin dance scene, networking, professionalization, continuing education, mentoring, project funding, public relations, questions about careers in the context of dance, contract issues
Services:
Individual one-on-one consultations, topic-specific workshops, conversations with jurors, continuing education programs, publication of the magazine tanzraumberlin, information portal/website tanzraumberlin.de, review portal tanzschreiber, information on current jobs/auditions/application deadlines/open calls, artist mail, newsletter, campaign, public relations and social media.
Costs:
Free of charge
Appointment:
By email: beratung@tanzbuero-berlin.de
Languages:
German, English
Homepage:
https://www.tanzraumberlin.de/tanzbuero/beratung/
What's it about?
An advice center and mentoring program offering information & advice on production-related issues, structural strengthening, professionalization and networking in Berlin's independent performing arts scene.
Target group:
Self-employed artists, cultural and creative professionals from the fields of performance, dance, theater, circus, artistry, musical theater, and transnational artists working in the independent performing arts and residing in Berlin.
Regions:
Berlin
Topics:
Self-employment, professional perspectives; concept development, production, guest performance management, marketing strategies, networking, digital strategies; financing, fundraising, grants and application, accounting; artists social insurance fund/KSK, law/taxes; racist discrimination, sexist discrimination.
Services:
Open consultations, entry-level consultations, individual consultations - including legal consultations; mentoring, seminars/workshops, networking meetings, info events, continuing education programs; handbook, online guidebook, newsletter.
Cost:
Free of charge
Appointment:
Via e-mail beratung@pap-berlin.de, free registration required
Languages:
German, English, other languages possible by arrangement
Homepage:
https://pap-berlin.de/de/beratung-orientierung/beratungsstelle-mentoring/beratungen
What's it about?
Support in the application process for disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, deaf or blind performers in Berlin's independent performing arts community: information, assistance and advice on production-related questions and formal procedures when applying to the Berlin Senate. If necessary, assistants can be called in; costs incurred during the application process, e.g. for sign language interpreters, assistants or technical aids, can be covered by the programme.
Target group:
Disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, deaf or blind art and cultural actors from the fields of performance, dance, theatre, contemporary circus & artistry, musical theatre residing in Berlin who require support with the application process.
Regions:
Berlin
Topics:
Application
Services:
Individual counselling
Cost:
Free of charge
Appointment:
Fill in the contact form Support with the online application or via e-mail to access@pap-berlin.de
Languages:
German, English, other languages possible by arrangement
Homepage:
Support with the online application (pap-berlin.de)
Film/Media
What's it about?
Regional contact point(s) for the Creative Europe program of the EU - especially for the audiovisual area and cross-sectoral funding.
Division/Sector:
Film/TV, VR, Games
Target group:
Film/media - production companies, film sales and distribution, film festivals, game developers, VR/AR, training initiatives.
Regions:
Berlin-Brandenburg, Central Germany
Topics:
EU funding, networking, application process; digitalization, audience development.
Services:
Individual counseling, expert advice; continuing education offerings, newsletter.
Costs:
Free of charge
Appointment:
By email or phone
Languages:
English, German
Homepage:
https://creative-europe-desk.de/media
Literature/Book
What’s it about?
The economic strengthening of authors in the independent literary scene in Berlin.
Target group:
Freelance authors, editors, translators, literary curators, independent literary organizers.
Regions:
Berlin
Topics:
Freelancing, KSK, VG Wort, accounting, rights & licenses, contract negotiation, finding publishers/agents, self-publishing, podcast, customer acquisition, web presence, social media, exposé writing, public appearances, organizing readings, project coordination, work organization strategies, software/tools for translating, customer management, networking, etc.; financing, grants, applying for grants, crowdfunding.
Services:
One-on-one consultations with experienced freelancers; thematic consultation events, consultation days on work stipends for literature & work stipends for non-German literature; mentoring program for literary curators;
Newsletter, Podcast: Literaturarbeit; Branchentreff Literatur; Berlin literature calendar, online ticketing system for literary events.
Cost:
All consultation services free of charge
Appointment:
Register for relevant consultation day via the contact form
Languages:
German, English; multilingual consultation days
Homepage:
https://www.literaturszene.berlin/beratungsangebot/
Music
What’s it about?
Support, structural strengthening, professionalization, regional and supra-regional networking and increasing the visibility of the independent contemporary music scene in Berlin
Target group:
Musicians, organizers, producers and creative professionals from the fields of contemporary music, new music, music theater, real-time music, electronic music and sound art.
Regions:
Berlin
Topics:
Promotion, advocacy, professionalization, visibility: promotion, strategy development, positioning, communication, audience development, marketing/PR strategies; international networking, diversity development.
Services:
Publication of field notes magazine in collaboration with practitioners in the scene, online platform, writing workshop for aspiring journalists, individual consultations; workshops, continuing education, networking events; newsletter, funding calendar.
Costs:
Free of charge
Appointment:
By e-mail
Languages: German, English
Homepage:
https://www.field-notes.berlin/en/colleg/beratung
What’s it about?
The support, accompaniment and networking of newly arrived musicians.
Target group:
Transnational musicians (with refugee experience).
Regions:
Berlin
Topics:
Starting a career in the field of music, the recognition of degrees, applying for funding, the artists' social security fund.
Services:
Individual consultations, events, newsletter, information materials, interactive map of music venues in Berlin.
Costs:
Free of charge
Appointment:
By e-mail to butler@landesmusikrat-berlin.de
Languages:
German, English
Homepage:
https://www.landesmusikrat-berlin.de/projekte/musikarbeitsmarkt-transnational/
What’s it about?
A central contact point for music makers in Berlin: The consultation and qualification offer of practitioners from the music scene is intended to provide music makers with information, further education and network contacts, with the aim of successfully establishing themselves within the music industry.
Target group:
Musicians, practitioners from the Berlin music scene.
Regions:
Berlin
Topics:
All questions about the music business, professional career planning, successful music making: Booking, management/label, promotion/marketing, channels/platforms, law/licensing, GEMA, financing/promotion, music infrastructure, networking contacts, continuing education, social security/KSK, insurance, taxes, contract consultation, copyright.
Services:
Individual consultations: Orientation advice, expert advice, coaching; workshops, community evenings/artist meetups, newsletter.
Costs:
Orientation consultations/ community evenings free of charge, coaching/consultations € 10 per hour, 4-hour workshops € 20.
Appointments:
Via web form/booking tool
Languages:
German, English
Homepage:
https://musicpoolberlin.net
What's it about?
Berlin club and organizer/promoter consulting
Division/Sector:
Music - club culture, event industry
Target group:
Organizers/promoters, club operators, collectives
Regions:
Berlin
Topics:
Strengthening infrastructure, securing locations, club culture; economic/ecological/social sustainability, inclusion, awareness, diversity, mediation, team building; door policy, data protection, (gastro) management, booking; permits, contact to authorities, sound emission, energy, security; foundation management, administrative and contract law, copyright, GEMA, KSK, insurances, events, festivals, open air, sponsoring, costing, cost analysis, taxes, hygiene measures, occupational health and safety
Services:
Individual consulting, expert consulting; contact mediation to service providers with affinity to the industry; information and networking events, guidebooks, newsletters
Costs:
Free of charge
Appointment:
beratung@clubcommission.de
Languages:
German, English
Homepage:
https://www.clubconsult.de
What's it about?
Networking, & professionalization, internationalization of the Berlin music industry
Division/Sector:
Music
Target group:
music companies, music labels, startups, associations
Regions:
Berlin
Topics:
Networking, representing interests, promoting cooperations; further education/knowledge transfer: digitalization, streaming, new work, sustainable action, diversity, problem analysis, value creation, PR/social media strategies, internationalization, management, finances, funding
Services:
Expert consulting; workshops, music tech labs, networking events, working groups, travel allowance
Costs:
Free of charge, membership from 100€/year
Appointment:
Appointment requests via email or phone
Languages:
German, English
Homepage:
https://www.berlin-music-commission.de/en/what-we-do/
What’s it about?
Promoting, networking and creating visibility for flinta* people in the music industry from the fields of art, business, media or tech. Part of the nationwide umbrella organization Music Women* Germany.
Division/Sector:
Music
Target group:
flinta* people in the music industry: e.g. music creators, DJs, managers, conductors, technicians, music producers, songwriters, journalists.
(flinta* stands for: Women, lesbians, inter*, non-binary, trans* and agender people. The term is meant to signal that there are a variety of genders beyond binary categories of woman-man. These people may also experience sexism and other interlocking forms of discrimination).
Regions:
Berlin (and nationwide)
Topics:
Creating visibility, establishing networks, promoting cooperation, generating synergies. gender equality, inclusion, diversity, awareness, women and flinta* promotion.
Services:
Regular consulting sessions (discussing projects and job sites, career planning, gathering ideas, finding support opportunities), Music Industry Expert Sessions (targeted expert advice), networking events, referrals to industry experts, event notices & information via the monthly newsletter, providing a platform for flinta* people in the music industry.
Costs:
Free of charge
Appointments:
Contact and appointment requests via email: contact@musicbwomen.de
Languages:
German, English
Homepage:
https://musicbwomen.de/
https://www.facebook.com/musicBwomen/
https://www.instagram.com/musicbwomen/
What’s it about?
Berlin regional association of the nationwide professional representation for artists in the in the field of early music
Division/Sector:
Music
Target group:
Artists in the field of early music
Regions:
Berlin
Topics:
Promotion of the emergence and dissemination of early music (historical performance practice) in the Berlin area, greater recognition of the specific working methods of early music, greater public awareness of the activities and concerts of the Berlin early music scene, sustainable improvement of the employment and social conditions for freelance musicians
Services:
Networking, workshops
Costs:
Membership fee for regular members is 5 € per month
Appointments:
by e-mail berlin@v-a-m.org
Languages:
German
Homepage:
https://www.alte-musik-berlin.de