From NANCY MATTSON, poet
I cannot understand the shocking and puzzling decision of Arts Council England to withdraw funds from Arc Publications.
I am a poet and poetry lover, and I have been an editor and university lecturer in English. For over ten years I have co-organized the highly regarded and popular Poetry in the Crypt reading series. May I add my voice to those of other poets, students, teachers, librarians and just plain ordinary readers in urging you to reconsider your funding policies for the next round of literature applications in three years' time. In the meantime, I would urge you to provide whatever interim funding Arc may apply for.
Poetry needs both large and small publishers in order to stay healthy and diverse. Poetry needs Arc Publications and other excellent small presses whose judgement, dedication and professionalism have been proven for decades.
You have done Arc and poetry a grave disservice. I would appreciate a response from you.