Wherever you turn these days, the arts in Bermuda are threatened.

The eviction notice to the Bermuda Society of Arts is the most notable so far, but now I get word that Wedco, ostensibly for advertising purposes, is wanting to impose an enormous fee on the Bermuda Arts Centre at Dockyard, along with other Dockyard businesses; a fee that could be crippling to this non-profit art charity and probably to the others as well.

In addition to these threats, there is the added loss of all the art dealerships in Hamilton in recent years, due to high rents, as well as high overhead generally. We are pricing ourselves out of our culture – and for what?

At the same time, Bermuda's art community is probably at its most vibrant and creative period ever.

Of course, there have been other creative periods in Bermuda's art history, but never has there been so great a number of qualified artists or, for that matter, such a diverse group as now.

These highly creative individuals need encouragement and support. If this creativity is to continue to grow and flourish, the art community needs help – NOW. It is ironical that, just when Government is pushing for greater tourism, these restrictive impositions are impeding the very activities that would make tourism more attractive.

The shortsightedness of the Corporation of Hamilton and Wedco is not helpful; not to mention Government's mere token funding of the Arts Council, which has responsibility for grants to the arts.

Consider this: Government funding for all the arts – including drama, dance, music and literary arts as well as the visual arts – amounts to $2.60 per capita annually. A mere $2.60 cents a year!

What would that get you in Hamilton these days? Compare this with the $400 per capita given to sport. What does this say? What can they be thinking?

But artists in Bermuda are enterprising and some art aficionados are considering alternative exhibition spaces, especially around Hamilton.

One such space is the foyer of the Terceira Quarterly architectural firm in the Walker Arcade. Another is Rock Island Coffee Shop and only this month, Common Ground Coffee Shop on Chancery Lane, has opened as an alternative gallery space, as well as continuing as an upscale café.

The opening exhibition is a small show by Amanda Temple (pictured). Although her works aren't new, that is, have never been exhibited before, all her pieces have been carefully selected to show some of her best.

Besides, good work is always a joy to see again. I have no direct knowledge as to how the works were actually selected, but it seems possible, that she selected them, in part, with the colour scheme of the facility in mind.

At least the work harmonises well with the already existing colours. This exhibition consists of 14 pieces – five paintings and nine photographs. I had seen most before, but one, it seems, is new to me.

It is a simple photographic composition of two, rather greyish and textured balusters, with a colourful view of reflections between.

I understand that this photograph was taken in Venice. It is a fascinating study in contrasts and one I recommend seeing.

All the above alternative spaces are relatively small. None can substitute for the large gallery, at the Bermuda Society of Arts, but it does indicate that in the absence of art dealers, artists are looking out for alternatives and the generosity of the businesses that have allowed their spaces to be used for exhibitions is commendable – and we are grateful. Patronise these businesses, they deserve it.

Perhaps these examples will help other businesses do the same and as they come on board, give them your patronage too.

The exhibition at Common Ground Coffee Shop continues through May 3.