A surprise move saw the Corporation of Hamilton offer an extended five-year lease to the Bermuda Society of Arts.

BSoA co-president Edwin Smith reacted with shock to the news ¿ he and the governing body of the arts organisation had yet to be informed.

However, the Corporation confirmed to the Mid-Ocean News yesterday that an agreement had been reached, with signatures from both parties the only things needed to cement the deal.

"The Corporation of Hamilton and the Bermuda Society of Arts have agreed that the BSOA will remain in City Hall under the terms of a new five-year lease, which is currently being drafted," said a spokesperson.

"Further information will be forthcoming when the new lease has been signed by both parties."

Talks between the Society and the Corporation had come to a standstill. Until 5 p.m. yesterday, Society members had no idea where the gallery would be housed after their lease at City Hall expired. Formal discussions were last held some weeks ago, when representatives of the arts organisation met with a sub-committee comprised of two Corporation members. No meetings have been held since then.

"To know that we will be in our location beyond December 31 is excellent news," said Mr. Smith when informed of the extension by this newspaper.

"I don't want to sound ungrateful, but I personally would have liked to see a longer term ¿ and heard the news directly from the Corporation.

"However, I am thankful. It can assist us as we plan for '09 and beyond. But I do think our membership board would have also appreciated a longer term and to have heard it from the Corporation for themselves."

The Society was told in January that its 47-year lease with the Corporation of Hamilton would not be renewed, as the area was needed for office space. The BSoA has paid only nominal rent since it was established in the purpose-built gallery in 1960.

Initial plans called for the BSoA to vacate the property in June, but the arts group was given an additional six months on its lease, until December 31. The public showed its support of the gallery, writing letters to newspapers asking the Corporation to "look after its needs without sacrificing the community it serves". And former Premier Dame Jennifer Smith and Culture Minister Dale Butler called on residents to petition the Corporation. The BSoA subsequently launched its own petition against the move on its web site, www.bsoa.bm.

The announcement came as the Society was preparing to hire a new person to run the gallery. Executive director Victoria Evans-Cracknell was due to leave in March, but agreed to stay through May, on learning the news. Earlier yesterday, Mr. Smith expressed appreciation to residents for showing their support, since their eviction was made public.

"Our openings have been phenomenal ¿ the support we've gotten at each ¿ people have been shoulder to shoulder, you can hardly move and we love every minute of it. The gallery is the place to be on a Friday after work. With the last exhibit, even the Governor was there, so we are seeing that physical support of members and friends."

He added there were a few opportunities open to the gallery should the Corporation carry though with the eviction, but none were of equal to their current premises.

"There are companies with smaller areas that have said we could use those locations temporarily, (but) there are no comparable locations when you consider our present location and its physical size. There's nothing the same as our purpose-built gallery, both in size and location - parking is taken care of, it's a public building so there are large walkways and sweeping stairs for access. But we remain hopeful." Last evening, he reiterated his thanks to the public and expressed a sigh of relief that the BSoA could now commit to 2009 shows.

"We have individuals lining up for exhibits for '09 and we have been in a holding pattern because we didn't know if we could accommodate them or not. We can now breathe a little easier."

Adventure of a lifetime ¿ see page 7