> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.theartnewsletter.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Going Beyond the Trend of 'Taste' - URL: https://www.theartnewsletter.com/going-beyond-the-trend-of-taste/ - Published: 2026-11-05T17:31:43.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-05T17:31:43.000Z - Description: On Investing in Arts & Culture Within Your Own Context - Author: Nessa Lhéonga Going back near summer’s end, on a warm Tuesday, my friend's curiosity enriched what could have been a rather mundane afternoon. The forecast had declared that it was going to rain all day but when I woke up, it was nothing but bright skies. Before I go any further, there are some facts you should know about the wonderful city of Montréal, Québec; first, it’s a city where the arts thrive and art enthusiasts run rampant. Secondly, and most importantly, nothing compares to Montréal summers. I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that a common complaint you’d hear from the average Montrealer is that there are too many activities/festivals and not enough time to attend each one. On that day, when the season was making its exit to make way for autumn, I must admit I shared that same frustration. In fact, I expressed that disappointment to my friend. Immediately, I texted her and shared the urge I had to explore the Old Port of Montréal, a beautiful historic district that feels frozen in the 18th century. Funnily enough, she also wanted to suggest going to that part of town. So, without any hesitation, we boarded the REM and made our way over. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/b5/34b542d7-662a-4b6d-b229-2d284cd24c37/content/images/2026/08/Old-Montreal-1.jpeg) Vieux Montréal, Photo by [Maria Elena Zuñiga](https://unsplash.com/@malezuniga?utm%5Fsource=unsplash&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/vehicles-park-on-front-of-building-PT3QQdjhMzw?utm%5Fsource=unsplash&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText) As one typically does in the Old Port, we went to a café, ate its overpriced food, and when we finished, strolled down the cobblestoned streets as we drank in the sights. Dodging the throng of tourists, we sat by the pier, debated whether we should go ride the Ferris wheel (we didn’t), wandered aimlessly in and out of a dozen artisanal boutiques, and spent a considerable amount of time in a store that sold an alarming amount of rubber ducks. While we roamed, we came across a building that stood out from the rest of the place. It was a tall building, reminiscent of the neo-classical period and had a sign on the walls saying, “Centaur Theatre.” Naturally, my interest was piqued but not enough to venture past its great columns to look inside. Besides, the place seemed closed. My friend, ever the adventurer, couldn’t ignore her curiosity and had already taken a couple steps forward when she asked, “Do you want to take a look inside?” Despite my initial protest and my fear of possibly trespassing on private property, we strolled inside. Walking past the columns, a set of doors lay beyond it. They were swung wide open as if beckoning us forward. Polished floors and empty halls, the theatre sat in quiet preparation for the shows coming up that night. Breaking through the silence was a worker sitting at a kiosk at the front desk; she called us forward where she greeted us with a kind smile and told us all there was to know about the theatre. She informed us on what plays they were showing, and told us a brief history of both francophone and anglophone performing arts within the city. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/b5/34b542d7-662a-4b6d-b229-2d284cd24c37/content/images/2026/10/frede-langlois-voeznlg3mPk-unsplash.jpeg) Centaur Theatre, Photo by ****Frede Langlois** on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/vehicles-park-on-front-of-building-PT3QQdjhMzw?utm%5Fsource=unsplash&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText) As the hostess continued speaking, I couldn’t help but wonder how many stories had been performed inside Centaur. How many people were moved to tears by the shows held there, laughed at the absurdity or the pure ecstasy that came with watching a comedic play, or had their lives transformed by a performance? Though I love the performing arts, I must say I’m only familiar with musical theatre. Yet, after the interaction we shared, I had a strong desire to know more about this art form, especially given the rise of AI and this strange tolerance some people have with artificial intelligence existing within creative spaces. With that, months after visiting the theatre, I began asking myself, "What actions can I seriously take to enrich my life with the arts?" Now, more than ever, it is imperative to invest in the arts, steward the talents we've have, and cultivate a deep love for the arts within the next generation. As I've seen on social media, caring about the arts can feel somewhat performative. With hundreds of people sharing tips (or at least, it seems that way on my algorithm) on how to be get better taste, how to become 'disgustingly educated...' or how to become 'intellectually interesting', the focus seems to shift from desiring to learn more about the arts to simply desiring to appear well-informed about certain topics. I want to go beyond this trend. I want to implement rhythms in my life that'll stay with me for years on end. To quote a line from a popular film: > *"We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for."* (Dead Poets Society) In other words, the arts are worth cherishing. So, allow me to share ways I’m going beyond this trend of 'having good taste' and actively pursuing the arts in my own context. 1. **START SMALL** - Discover what your city/town is renowned for in the arts - Go to your local library or community center and see if any events are being held there - Find workshops about a subject you're interested in - Go to a museum and journal about the pieces that catch your eye - If possible, visit a different area of your province/state and check out its cultural centres 1. **GET CURIOUS** - Watch a documentary about something you know nothing about - Go to the theatre and watch a performance (ballet, opera, play, musical, etc...) and do a deep dive on it afterwards - Pursue an artistic activity that's way outside your comfort zone (and commit to it for a while) - Go to an open mic night and see the talents within your community (bonus, go up to an artist and ask them what inspires them) 1. **INVEST CONSISTENTLY (regardless of the method)** - Invest in your local library with your *presence* - Invest in your local museums and community centre with *donations* - Invest in workshops with your *time* --- Again, this is just a list of things that I want to do to enrich my life. As a university student, I do not want to remain stuck in the monotony of my school routines. I want to go out and experience more of what my city has to offer. Now that you've reached the end, I hope you enjoyed this article and most importantly, I hope it inspires you to take steps in your own life to invest in the arts and your community.