After a week of painful hesitation as to whether it is going to be possible for me to put on my Malta and Beyond exhibition, finally we have decided that it is possible for us to go ahead. I will be going up to South Square tomorrow to hang it, with the expert help of my friend Brian Rowlands.
The Centre were anxious to avoid, in as far as it is possible, a complete shut-down for the duration of the government’s November lock-down. The key factor that has enabled us to go ahead is the rule that permits food outlets to continue to serve take-away meals. The cafe (Plenty at the Square) is intending to continue to operate on this basis. Because a part of my exhibition will actually be hung in the cafe, and access to the Unit 9 gallery is through the cafe, we believe that it will be legitimate for the exhibition to continue–although naturally advising visitors about sanitation and distance constraints. It is hard to express the extent to which I am relieved by this discussion, after having put in so much effort in preparation and publicity.
In fact, there is an unexpected benefit from the new arrangement. Because of the knock-on effects of the changes that have been forced upon us all by the current restrictions, I am going to be able to continue the exhibition through December, as well as November. The place will be open Fridays and Saturdays only, between 10.30 and 15.30.