ARC

We interviewed Charmian Griffin, Editor of ARC, the art and design publication designed and produced by current postgraduate students at the RCA.

ARC Issue 11. Photo: George Wu

ARC Issue 11. Photo: George Wu

Art Licks: Who are ARC magazine?

Charmian Griffin: ARC is run by students at the Royal College of Art and published by the Students’ Union.

What first sparkled the impulse to create ARC?

The magazine was started up in 2004 by the then-Students’ Union president and illustrator Amelia Johnstone and her team. The idea was to continue on from what their predecessors had been doing with Ark: the journal of the Royal College of Art from 1950 to the mid 70s.

The title?

The founding team decided to call the new incarnation ARC rather than Ark so as to signify a shift, or a new beginning.

Is ARC a representation of the RCA as an institution, or of the students that study there?

The magazine is edited, designed and published by students and although some of the content comes from teaching staff at the RCA, visiting lecturers and alumni as well as current students, the institution is not directly involved. It’s definitely not a brochure for the college.

Who is your target reader?

People who like art and design and magazines. It’s always had a good range of articles on architecture, fashion, fine art and design so hopefully there’s an entry point for everyone.

Is there a starting point for each issue, how does each one begin?

Usually with a dozen people interested and excited with excellent and conflicting ideas and not enough time. Then eventually one or two people, a theme perhaps and most crucially, a limited budget. It’s incredible what designers current and past have managed to create with so little money.

How many issues have you had so far, and which have you been most pleased with?

The SU has published 14, but I’ve only worked on one so far so can’t claim credit for any past issues. The most recent issue looks awesome and was designed by Mark El-khatib. Robin Howie and Hannah Montague are currently working towards the Autumn issue, which is sure to be a treat too. The fact that an almost completely new team works on Arc every issue ensures that they are all very different and exciting in their own ways.

How is it made/put together?

Issue 14 was printed at Aldgate Press, has a self-cover, blue anodised staples and a blue belly band which we hand folded and wrapped round each issue.

How do people contribute?

We take submissions on a theme; the next issue is on The Impossible and the following on Death.

When is the next issue coming out?

Autumn 2010.

What do you see in ARC magazine’s crystal ball?

The Impossible and then Death.

Where can I get a copy of ARC magazine?

ARC 14 and selected back issues are available through the website, with more information on back issues available at the old website.

For non-UK and/or multiple issue orders please email arc@rca.ac.uk

- -

STOCKISTS:

Artwords, 20-22 Broadway Market, LONDON