Project Arts for Hearts

Young people hold a unique kind of power—the potential to reimagine the future with empathy, creativity, and action. One inspiring example is Arts for Hearts, a student-led initiative founded in December 2024. 

For Elizabeth Zara Lim, Koh Shan Jun, Rae Ann Teo, Samantha Looi, Sheer Ng, and Yuna Caliana Plank, six dancers who had spent years performing together, staging a concert felt like a natural first step. They envisioned sharing the stage with their talented peers to showcase their artistic expression. During the planning process, the simple vision took on a deeper meaning: to empower young people to use their voices and talents to create tangible social impact. 

Arts for Hearts was founded by six students (from left to right): Samantha Looi, Sheer Ng, Koh Shan Jun, Elizabeth Zara Lim, Yuna Caliana Plank and Rae Ann Teo (not pictured).

 

Concert Ember: A Platform for Purpose 

With Concert Ember, a fundraising concert held in March this year, they created an experience that resonated with both performers and the 400-strong crowd. The exciting lineup featured rhythmic gymnasts from Raffles Institution, as well as musicians and dancers from secondary, junior college and tertiary schools across Singapore. Together, these young performers brought their passion and talent to deliver a wonderful, sold-out concert for a meaningful cause. Collectively, through ticket sales and donations, they raised over $10,000. 

All stage photos by Alex Chua.

Guest performance by Latin dancer Mathilda Lily Cook Tilly and OSA. 

A self-choreographed solo performance by Amelia Chang and trio from Tanjong Katong Girls' School who make up The Click!

The Sleepeaheads and the girls from Arts for Hearts.

 

Organising a full-scale concert was no easy feat. With only three months to plan, the six-member team had to balance heavy school commitments, including co-curricular activities, rehearsals and event management. Ticket sales were initially slow, and they spent many late nights coordinating logistics and reaching out to sponsors. Their shared belief in the cause helped them find rhythm amid the chaos, and their determination never wavered. 

Partnering for a Greater Cause

One highlight was when Oatside agreed to sponsor drinks for the event. "We were literally jumping for joy when they said yes," Zara recalled. "It reminded us that people are often more willing to support a good cause than you think. All it takes is the courage to ask.

When it came to choosing a charity partner, the decision was intentional. The team behind Concert Ember wanted the funds raised to make a meaningful and direct impact, and Food from the Heart stood out.

Performing at our I CAN Award Ceremony.

What struck a chord with the Arts for Hearts team was also the I CAN Award, an annual event in March that recognises students from our School Goodie Bag programme for their resilence and hard work. Supporting a cause that uplifts other youth made the collaboration feel even more personal. It was after all, at its heart, a youth-led effort empowering peers through shared generosity and belief in potential.

Carrying the Flame Forward

More than just a successful concert, Concert Ember proved what young people can achieve when they lead with purpose. The scale of the event had exceeded their expectations. However, it was the community's response that left the deepest mark.

After the lights dimmed, a message from Arts for Hearts to inspire other youths: You have more power than you realise. Don't wait for the perfect plan. Just take the first step.