It is encouraging to know that more students are pursuing their interest in the arts ("Rising number enrolling in arts courses, says Nafa"; Feb 22).

The Government can further encourage this by subsidising the cost of studying in arts schools.

If we support our arts students, we will eventually have a larger number and wider range of local artists. This will enable Singapore's arts industry to flourish.

Free admission to more local arts shows that showcase our local artists would also help to increase support for our arts scene, and allow the Singaporean public to see what our artists are capable of doing.

Our society has tended to accord more importance to academic studies.

If we want this little red dot to be a more vibrant arts hub, concrete steps need to be taken to change mindsets.

Chong Suet Fen, 15, Secondary 4 student