A SPECIAL committee has been formed to facilitate talks between the Corporation of Hamilton and the arts group it intends to evict from its premises at the end of the year.

Bermuda Society of Arts (BSoA) co-president Edwin Smith confirmed that discussions are continuing between the two parties, with the move facilitated by a recently formed team.

The Mid-Ocean News understands that the committee is comprised of two members of the Corporation of Hamilton.

"There is a sub-committee that has been organised to dialogue between us and the Corporation," said Mr. Smith. "I would like to say that I am hopeful, but I have to stress that even with that, nothing has changed. The eviction notice is still in place. I wish I had better news to report."

The Bermuda Society of Arts has asked members of the public to bombard City Hall with letters opposing its eviction in 2009. The move is the latest in the gallery's "battle" against the Corporation, which last month voted to end its 47-year tenancy.

Throughout that time, the charity has paid only nominal rent for the purpose-built gallery, and claims if it is forced out, it will be unable to afford another space in Hamilton.

"We're tremendously appreciative of the letters of support we've received," Mr. Smith continued, "but we want our supporters to know that nothing has changed and we want the outpour to continue because, as time goes on, if nothing's said, people might be tempted to think that everything's okay.

"We have one issue: Where are we after December 2008? We already have had interest from exhibiting artists inquiring about space in 2009. It's difficult to plan until we know we have a home."

Asked whether Society members were actively looking for an alternate location in case the worst case scenario becomes reality, Mr. Smith said: "I don't know how to comment on that. This space was purpose-built for this particular charity.

"We've never wavered from our objective of being 'The People's Gallery'. As far as we're concerned, that's our space. We want to continue doing a good job and doing it there. Yes, we are a tenant and the Corporation is our landlord, but it's also the people's building. It belongs to the public."

The BSoA has received some "expressions of support" should financing become an issue, he added, acknowledging that the threatened eviction had possibly raised the charity's public profile.

"We have the Schools Exhibit right now which has a great following anyway, but I can't deny the whole issue has drawn, perhaps, more interest in the gallery. I'm not there on a daily basis so I can't say for sure."

In a letter to the editor this week, the BsoA executive expressed thanks for the support shown and urged the public to have it continue.

"All of us at the BSoA are grateful for the many, many pledges of support, particularly as they have come from people representing such a wide cross-section of our community. We are pleased that the Corporation of Hamilton has agreed to let us stay in our purpose-built gallery space until the end of the year.

"However, our fate in 2009 and beyond is not guaranteed ¿ and, until we receive a new, long-term lease on preferential terms from the Corporation, we consider that the battle to stay at Hamilton City Hall and Arts Centre is still on."