Spoken language: English

The international meeting of producers, agents, distributors and managers in the performing arts on 6 October 2022 offered a wide range of opportunities for exchange. Some of us already had the opportunity to meet in person at the international dance fair nrw in August 2022. As space was limited and many of us would have liked to meet up, but this was not possible for everyone, we invited people to an online follow-up meeting with no space restrictions. The networking meeting was organised by the networks InfoPlus / Dachverband Tanz Deutschland, PAP - Performing Arts Program, LAPAS, PAMPA and produktionsbande - netzwerk performing arts producers. Producers, managers, agents and distributors were invited to chat with old acquaintances, meet new colleagues, get to know or join various producer networks and initiatives, exchange experiences and discuss current developments in the performing arts landscape.

Kreativ-Transfer aims to improve the international visibility of art and culture made in Germany. To this end, the programme supports international marketing and networking activities: it promotes trips to international fairs and festivals, supports digital marketing and offers digital and analogue exchange formats such as international get-togethers and networking meetings.

We are all aware that our marketing and networking activities - whether physical or digital - have a negative impact on the environment and therefore contribute to the global climate crisis.

A year ago, as part of our cross-sectoral Green Mobility workshop, we addressed the question of how ecologically sustainable action and international networking can be reconciled. We discussed the impact of our individual travel behaviour, responsible mobility management and specific options for action.

This is where we started: Together with various experts, we re-examined the question of how we (can) network more sustainably, and we were also able to take a look at the role of networks, because: We need to join forces to bring about change together.

Click here for the programme.

Expert: Sebastian Hoffmann Touring Artists
Language: German (good knowledge of German is required)

Target group:      
The workshop is aimed at freelance producers, managers, agents and representatives of production offices who (want to) carry out international projects and / or (want to) work with artists / organisers from abroad. Basic knowledge of German tax law is required for participation.

Withholding tax, reverse charge procedure and double taxation agreements - all things that you have already encountered and yet everything remains complicated:

When does the so-called reverse charge procedure apply? Does the small business regulation also apply abroad? What about VAT when a company invites artists from abroad? What is the new One-Stop-Shop (OSS) procedure all about?

Where does income tax apply if a choreographer resident in Germany has guest performances in Belgium and France? Are rehearsal fees subject to withholding tax? What should you know about net and gross agreements when negotiating contracts? And in which cases can performances be exempt from tax?

Expert: Thomas Fabian Eder
Spoken language: mainly in German / questions and comments in English are welcome
Target group: The event is aimed at artists, producers and other company representatives in the performing arts: dance, theatre, performance, circus and many more.

In the workshop "International Distribution?! How to... Acquisition & Trade Fair Visits", tools were provided to develop initial strategic approaches for your own international work, and network meetings and funding programmes for international collaborations were presented.

International collaborations help to change perspectives, they can stimulate collaborative work processes, cross-cultural exchange and the creation of new networks and forms of work, thus enriching artistic and personal development. At the same time, however, they require extensive knowledge and a high level of commitment: How can potential partners be identified? How are contacts made? And how does international networking "work"?

The range of trade fairs, showcase formats, international meeting places and hubs is not insignificant and it is precisely because of this variety of opportunities that clear objectives and good personal planning are necessary prerequisites for becoming internationally active.

Due to the great demand, we offered another workshop on the topic of taxes in an international context with Sonja Laaser | Kanzlei Laaser as part of Kreativ-Transfer.

In Part I, Sonja Laaser gave an introduction to the most important tax topics in an international context: VAT and income tax. In addition, stumbling blocks were discussed and individual questions answered.

In Part II, we focussed on exemption options from withholding tax in accordance with Section 50a EStG. The participants also learnt how to apply for an exemption (refund procedure / exemption procedure).

After our first digital exchange and networking days in May 2020, we invited participants to a second round. At the meeting, participants were able to network with each other, make new contacts and meet festival organisers. Experiences and knowledge were shared and ideas for the future were exchanged.

This time, the programme included sessions on international exchange, a second round of talks with international festival organisers, a workshop on taxes in an international context and informal exchange and meeting formats.