From RUTH CHRISTIE, translator
As a reader of poetry in translation and a translator of Turkish poets in particular, I've been deeply grateful to Arc for introducing me to contemporary poetry I'd never have known, and too, for publishing the early work of the Turkish poet Bejan Matur.
While relieved to know that M.P.T. with its long heritage has been left untouched, I was shocked to learn that the Arts Council had reduced their funding to two of the major publishers in this country of translated poetry, Anvil Press in London by a substantial amount, and Arc in northern England which has completely lost its funding. One wonders what were the criteria for the decisions? And what to make of the Arts Council claim that they are endeavouring to support poetry in translation>
For many years Arc has been publishing exciting work - international contemporary poets in unique bilingual parallel-text editions, including introductions by writers like Seamus Heaney, A.S.Byatt, and translators recommended by the P.B.S.. In other words, texts of the highest quality available at accessible prices. It would be an almost xenophobic disaster for translated poetry if Arc were unable to survive.