THE arts charity threatened with eviction from City Hall has been granted a temporary reprieve.

The Corporation of Hamilton has confirmed that the Bermuda Society of Arts can remain at City Hall until the end of the year ¿ postponing the forced eviction of the charity by an additional six months.

Two weeks ago it was revealed the BSoA, which has a purpose-built gallery on the second floor of City Hall, had been given just six months to find new premises.

Corporation bosses, who rent out the facility to the charity for a nominal fee, claimed that the space was needed to accommodate administrative staff, and ordered that the BSoA would have to move out by the end of June.

Although the two parties held talks last week, a compromise solution could not be found and the two sides appeared to be deadlocked.

However, yesterday the Corporation revealed that it had extended the BSoA's lease for an additional six months until the end of the year "with a view to coming up with a better solution for both parties".

Hamilton Mayor Sutherland Madeiros said: "The Corporation wishes to move forward in a positive manner with the Bermuda Society of Arts. We have made the decision to extend the BSoA's lease to take into consideration the gallery's art show commitments for 2008.

"The arts are an important part of our community and the City Hall Committee is in the process of coming up with a solution that meets the needs of both parties. They are working diligently on the matter with the aim of coming to an amicable resolution for both parties."

The Corporation came under fire after its decision was announced earlier this month.

Former Premier Dame Jennifer Smith and Culture Minister Dale Butler (pictured) both called on the public to petition the Corporation against the eviction.