With over seven years experience working closely with First Nations artists as part of Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers, this panel will discuss the importance of working with cross cultural sensitivity - an approach that focuses on process rather than outcome and is grounded in what Dr Christopher Sainsbury, Dharug composer calls 'the hang.' This informal ‘connecting time’ outside of music making facilitates asking questions and inevitably making mistakes openly and publicly, building trust over time while empowering First Nations artists to make the most out of opportunities in their art making. Also noting the importance of a two way stream whereby both 'sides' benefit greatly from the investment of time, open mindedness and a sense of meaningful, ongoing commitment. Referencing Sainsbury's Platform Paper ‘Ngarra-Burria: New Music and the Search for an Australian Sound’, the discussion will reference examples from this successful programme.