SINGAPORE — In a fast-paced society such as Singapore’s, the preservation of things past is crucial to ensure history does not slip away. That is an integral part of a philosophy that 222+51, one of the first arts and heritage spaces in Singapore to be managed by a private operator, has when it comes to preserving old buildings.

Located in the two buildings of 222 Queen Street and 51 Waterloo Street (the former home of Catholic High School), the directors of the “integrated arts and museum” venue have sought to keep as much as they could of the space — warts and all. 

“We wanted people to see the layering of history,” said Andrew Lau, one of the directors of 222+51. “Things are not perfect because we didn’t want them to be perfect. So there are cracks on the floor, chips on the staircases ... The idea was that you have to be able to feel the history.” 

222+51, which was established in 2009, recently celebrated the buildings’ 80th anniversary in May with the unveiling of a six-panel mural. 

Created by artists Yip Yew Chong and Yuen Kum Cheong, and centering around the theme of heritage, the mural “memorialised things lost”, said Yip, such as the old National Library building at Stamford Road and Odeon cinema at North Bridge Road. 

The mural also has the potential to “connect with Singaporeans” both young and old, Yip added. 

To create the mural, the artists drew on their own — as well as their parents’ — memories of the Bras Basah and Bugis area. Yuen, for example, used his father’s vivid recollection of a hawker selling the shaved ice dessert when he came up with the image of the ice ball.

The mural is only one of the arts connections to the past that Lau and Teo are trying to showcase at 222+51, which is one of a few historical school buildings still preserved in Singapore. 

Supporting the younger generation through the arts is another way the museum is trying to build awareness of one’s heritage. 

After noting a rise in interest for the performing arts, particularly from the young, 222+51 added more dance and music tenants, such as dance company EV Dance, which offers hip hop and K-Pop aerobics. 

Teo said 222+51 was also supporting students working in different art forms. For example, The Private Museum is currently hosting a photography 

exhibition by Nanyang Technological University students, while the Singapore Ballet Academy has lessons for students aged four and up. 

For Lau and Teo, the smorgasbord of arts companies within their walls is a measure of their vision for 222+51, which is  to “challenge traditional notions of what art is”. 

“Art is not just visual arts. We want to portray all forms, including dance, performing arts, photography, etc. This building is an incubator for different art forms to co-exist under one roof,” Lau pointed out. 

They have hosted tenants from a range of art fields, including photography and music, as well as different genres of dance, from ballet to pole-dancing. 

Teo added that they “want to create a space for creatives to showcase their work”.

Going forward, 222+51 is looking to add an acapella group and a fashion studio on their premises.

All of which, the directors said, are in line with their plan to maintain and create history.

For Teo, with 222+51, you feel that you are “part of making art history”.