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The Rialto is an independent poetry magazine funded by Arts Council England, published three times a year. It was first published in April 1984 in Norwich, Norfolk. The name was a result of a friend enquiring on "what news on the Rialto?" referring to progress with the publication and is a reference to William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice.
Contents
Background
Michael Mackmin, John Wakeman and Jenny Roberts were the co-founders of the magazine, however Jenny Roberts left shortly after the seventh issue was produced. The initial print run was financed by an anonymous private source. The first edition included poetry by Margaret Atwood, George Barker, Steve Sant, Gavin Ewart and Miroslav Holub, and four poems by Carol Ann Duffy now Poet Laureate.
In 1996 The Rialto made its first foray into book publishing, producing a limited run of "How it turned out" by Frank Redpath. Shortly after this John Wakeman left the magazine and moved to Cork in Ireland, where he started his poetry magazine The Shop. Michael Mackmin continues to be editor of the magazine, and has also presided over the publication of 16 more books and "Bridge Collections"; a series of pamphlets intended as a step towards a first collection, more of both are planned.
The Rialto is run by a network of staff. John Wakeman is a Trustee. Nick Stone who is also a Trustee has also been responsible for the magazine's artwork since 1989 and the design and brand since 1995. He is currently the art director. Dean Parkin was involved in the marketing until 2008, he still writes a "Rumours" section for each issue. The Rialto has run an Editor Development Programme since 2013. Fiona Moore and Abigail Parry took part in the first programme. Fiona is currently Assistant Editor, Abigail is involved in research for special projects. The 2014/2015 Editor Development Programme includes Holly Hopkins and Rishi Dastidar.
The Rialto has an Advisory Board which in 2014/15 consisted of Katy Carr, Matthew Howard, Claire Kidman, Henry Layte, Michael Mackmin, Fiona Moore, Mary Muir and Nick Stone.
Cover art has included the likes of Barbara Hepworth, Patrick Sutherland, Paula Rego, Angie Lewin and Eric Ravilious, as well as many pieces by new print-makers, artists and photographers.