From TIINA ALEMAN, poet & translator (USA / Estonia)
It has come to my attention that Arc Publications has lost its Arts Council Funding for 2012. I feel compelled to express my deep sadness and concern over that decision. It is my that the decision will be reconsidered so that Arc can continue its long tradition of supporting the publication of contemporary poetry and poetry translation.
Arc is among a very rare group of publshers who publish high-quality poetry and translations. Arc gives a voice to poets and translators that are often otherwise neglected in the literary world.
I am very proud to be among the translators published by Arc. Last May Arc published my translations of "Shape of Time", a volume of poetry by Estonian poet Doris Kareva. As a result of that publication Doris is now known in the U.K. and U.S. in a way she otherwise would not have been. Last July she gave readings of the translations in London and at the Ledbury Poetry Festival. And then this year in February, she read at the Bowery Poetry Club in New York City. The event was well-attended and a great success. I believe all of that was only possible because Arc too a chance on "Shape of Time".
Mine is only one story about the excellent opportunities that Arc offers poets and translators. I believe it would be a great loss to the poetry world should Arc no longer be able to continue their good and great work. Please don't take away their funding.