From JOHN KINSELLA, writer, Arc Publications' International Poetry Editor
I have been published by Arc since 1996, and have been their International Poetry Editor for many years. When I 'joined' Arc, I did so with excitement and enthusiasm because they had managed that rare feat of having balanced 'innovation' and 'tradition', and everything that lies in between, on their poetry list. They were willing to take risks in terms of what constituted poetry, and where the boundaries of poetry might or might not exist. They were receptive and encouraging, and remain so to this day.
It was and remains their vision. They encourage difference and diversity. This is done against a background of impeccable poetic instinct and insight, and a vast knowledge not only of poetics but of poetry history. They also bring to poetry publishing a sensitivity to other artforms, especially music. As a master printer, Tony Ward continued the great tradition of printer-publisher that has so defined British letters, and even when he retired as printer, continued the sensibility that sees the book as part of the poetic process. It is invaluable and stimulating to poets to know they are in the hands of publishers with such knowledge and awarenesss of what text on the printed page actually means as a thing in itself.
The British poets on the Arc list are published within an international context, and the English language is considered a living and active force that benefits in its growth directly from the conversations between poets and poetries. This vision of over forty years' publishing has always been about furthering the cause of poetry and language, and not about the ego of publishers. Arc have always put the poets first, often at great sacrifice to themselves, especially financially. They are uncomplaining in this, and have continued through the hardest of times.
However, to see their funding base entirely removed means that this deep and growing reservoir of language runs the risk being lost to the public. The numerous local and international poets fostered by Arc risk losing an avenue for their voices to be heard in Britain. This is no exaggeration. Arc have not only been pioneers in poetry translation publication, but have also welcomed and encouraged visiting poets, and cross-fertilised language by drawing their local and international poets together. Those at Arc are of the belief that translation enriches all language, and that the process of exchange fosters a positive environment for writing poetry locally.
I implore you to assist at this difficult time, and help guarantee not only the future of Arc publishing but the ongoing presence of the voices on their lists.