Singapore's local arts scene is certainly not dismal.

I recently started actively attending local productions such as Singapore Repertory Theatre's Shakespeare in the Park and Pangdemonium's Dragonflies.

I was thoroughly impressed by the performances. It made me wonder why locals do not give local productions a chance.

Singaporeans seem to be ignorant of the fact that the arts scene in our country is not stagnant. Careers in arts and culture continue to be popular.

We need to understand that the arts scene can thrive only if we actively consume local art, music, and theatre. It cannot flourish if we turn our backs and let it stay in its cycle of unpopularity.

Students are privileged to have discounted tickets and subsidies provided by their schools.

With this greater accessibility in terms of cost, time must be invested into encouraging students to support our local arts.

Singapore has a diverse range of artistic talent, and as a nation, we should continue to empower our artists who continue creating content which we can relate to.

Lola Koh Le Yi, 16, Secondary 4 student