The arts are thriving in universities here, with the three major tertiary institutions – SMU, NUS and NTU – having very busy arts calendars. The universities say they are investing in the arts to give students an outlet for their talent and engage them intellectually and creatively. However, each institution takes a markedly different approach to arts programming. Since 2011, SMU has decided to forgo a single festival for performances spread throughout the academic semesters. Mr Jimmy Ye, Deputy Director, Arts and Student Life Events at the SMU Office of Student Life, said that the University’s programming is focused on putting students in the spotlight and having them work closely with arts practitioners who can advise them artistically. SMU's arts festival started as a one-day affair in 2005 and grew into a three-week season in 2010. SMU accountancy student Seah Yi Ru, president of the University's Chinese orchestra, shared that the arts programmes gave her the chance to be exposed to the arts as both a performer and an audience member.