Artistic expression is important in every person's life. It is also important in breeding a nation of thinkers and actors.

The arts are a tool that informs us of diversity. With it, we seek to better understand others' views.

As a result, we can have broader perspectives, making us a people who seek harmony despite our differences.

Through the arts, we gain an insight into the lives of others and what we can do to better ourselves. It is an expression of our thoughts and what we wish to see in future.

We should encourage more additions to the local arts scene. There should be more arts-oriented programmes that give people a shot at artistic expression, unbound by skill level or testing.

Such chances let voices like my own be heard, no matter how ordinary they seem to be.

I hope to see a future where the arts play a big role in shaping how we think and express ourselves.

This will help Singapore become a country of progress, driven from the ground up.

Shauna Tan Hui Shan, 15,

Secondary 4 student