The Island's oldest arts group has gained a six-month reprieve on its home after the Corporation of Hamilton yesterday vowed to find "an amicable resolution".

The Bermuda Society of Arts (BSoA) lease at City Hall has been extended until January 1, 2008, after Corporation members met with representatives of its governing body yesterday.

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 gave the 'People's Gallery' six months' notice to vacate City Hall on December 28. Mr. Madeiros said the Corporation needed its gallery for office space, and that members thought this presented space at no cost rather than billing taxpayers between $600,000 and $700,000 for an extension to City Hall.

However, the decision to evict the BSoA after 47 years of tenancy provoked anger from residents, artists and politicians within the community.

Former Premier Dame Jennifer Smith and Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler called on the public to petition the Corporation against the eviction. Mr. Butler even threatened to bring in legislation to overhaul the Corporation altogether, declaring its rules and ordinances "outdated".

This week, however, the Corporation seemed to be undergoing a change of heart. On Wednesday, Mr. Madeiros told The Royal Gazette that members were to meet to reconsider the eviction notice. "We will try to find a better solution to the problem," he said.