The increasing importance of fostering progress and empowerment is fuelling a necessity for collaboration between a wide range of players; large arts organisations, concert halls, opera houses, orchestras - and associations, schools, and refugee centers. The former are able to present their projects in prominent contexts on large stages, and in return can profit from authentic participation thanks to independent partners with years of practice within diverse communities. While such conceptual collaborations can open access to life-changing music experiences for otherwise underrepresented parts of society, they also raise challenges for the organisational partners involved. Our unique perspective, gained from our dual experience in institutional and non-profit realms, allows us to engage in a self-reflective dialogue that uncovers the nuances of this approach.