Talks between the Bermuda Society of Arts, which is seeking a new executive director, and the Corporation of Hamilton have come to a standstill, with no indication given, that the gallery will not be evicted from City Hall at the end of the year.

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. As it stands at present, the gallery will be without a home in 2009.

"We're essentially in the same situation as we were," said BSoA co-president Edwin Smith. "All in the meantime we've been able to do is inform our members we're still hopeful, but we've not received any formal, written information at all. Things have been said, but without something in writing, it means nothing.

"We've been given an extension until the end of 2008. Nothing beyond. We have no new lease, and of course, it's very difficult. What we're doing is making plans and being hopeful about it. Unfortunately we've not met with the sub-committee since."

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 website, 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.

Asked whether the looming eviction might hinder applicants, Mr. Smith said such an impact is "always a factor to consider", but public sentiment seems to be on the gallery's side.

"Vikki is moving on, which necessitates a new director. We are just hopeful to have a resolution beforehand, so perhaps, the position might be more attractive.

"We still have our petition going online. And 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."

There are a few opportunities open to the gallery should the Corporation carry though with the eviction, Mr. Smith admitted.

"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."

Although the public outcry has lessened, Mr. Smith said the increased numbers at BSoA openings was proof to its executive that residents care.

"It's normal when you don't hear something for a while that interest seems to wane," he stated.

"Unfortunately, there's a percentage of the population that think (the issue is) resolved, it's settled. But the public is expressing itself by signing our petition and, even though the letters to the editor are less, maybe you can say they're voting with their feet ¿ showing their concern by coming to the gallery openings."

Trip of a lifetime ¿ see Page 7