From LINDA FRANCE, poet
As someone who has enjoyed and appreciated the poetry books published by Arc Publications since the late 1980’s as a reader, budding poet and Creative Writing tutor, I was shocked and saddened to hear of the withdrawal of their Arts Council funding.
In more recent years as a respected and published poet, mentor and editor, I have been fortunate enough to work with Arc on three publications – an innovative anthology of translations of four contemporary Bulgarian poets by four British poets, including impressions of Bulgaria on the brink of joining the European Community; a collection of translations of the work of Indonesian poet Dorothea Rosa Herliany, writing powerfully and profoundly of oppression and feminism; and, lastly, my seventh collection of poems, produced in both hardback and paperback editions. This has been well-received at readings, in various promotions and in the poetry press.
I have been consistently impressed by the editors at Arc’s commitment to publishing books that represent both the range and depth of poetry being written today, particularly in the non-English speaking world. Their translation list stands out as special in its field, important and worthy of continued support. Arc promotes their poets’ publications with unwavering energy and enthusiasm, arranging readings, attending festivals and encouraging new creative projects and connections. Withdrawing their funding will leave a blank, unhealthy, dangerous space in the culture of poetry publication in Britain.