SINGAPORE — After a two-year break, the popular art walkabout OH! Open House returns next month, and it will be held at Joo Chiat.

The walkabout, which sees visitors exploring works of art in neighbourhoods and people’s homes, will be held over three weekends and will feature 12 artists, including Alecia Neo, Hafiz Osman, Randy Chan, Guo Yi Xiu, Mike HJ Chang and Mark Thia.

Curator Alan Oei said organisers chose the area because of its “complicated” history.

Previously known as the Confederate Estate road, it was renamed after philanthropist Chew Joo Chiat in 1917. In the early 2000s, it had acquired a sleazy reputation for the number of bars, hotels and massage parlours that previously populated the area. But in 2011, it was designated as Singapore’s first Heritage Town and had been expected to undergo gentrification.

“I thought it would have become another Tiong Bahru a few years ago but it didn’t, and I was curious why it didn’t happen. It resisted gentrification and the neighbourhood is getting interesting,” said Oei, who added: “And it was also fun to come back to houses again.”

Joo Chiat is the fourth Open House site after editions held at Niven Road, Marine Parade, Tiong Bahru and Marina Bay. The last, which took place in 2013, saw the event held at offices in the area. “(The) Marina Bay (edition) was interesting but was kind of like a sci-fi movie where the characters were guys you couldn’t feel could be you,” he said.

The two-year break was due to lack of finances. “We couldn’t do it anymore and we needed to get support from NAC (National Arts Council) and we did,” said Oei, referring to the event being one of the council’s recent Seed Grant recipients.

While the format remains largely the same, organisers have added a few things, including a “spoof tour” and a chance to meet some of the folks who live in the community, such as a ladder-maker, “to uncover all the interesting talents that Joo Chiat has”.

OH! Open House Joo Chiat will take place on March 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29, 4pm to 10pm. Tickets at S$25 (S$20 until March 8). For more information, visit http://ohopenhouse.org.