The Rialto is an independent poetry magazine and poetry publisher. The magazine is published three times a year. It is part-funded by Arts Council England. 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.
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 who went on to become Poet Laureate from 2009 to 2019.
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 books and "Bridge Collections"; a series of pamphlets intended as a step towards a first collection, more of both are planned.[1]
The Rialto is run by a network of staff. Michael Mackmin continues to act as editor, with editions also produced by assistant editors Will Harris, Rishi Dastidar, Edward Doegar and Degna Stone, and guest editors such as Ella Frears and Daljit Nagra. Nick Stone is the art director. Matthew Howard, Colin Hughes, Michael Mackmin and Nick Stone are Trustees.
The Rialto has an Advisory Board consisting of Rishi Dastidar, Matthew Howard, Colin Hughes, Claire Kidman, Michael Mackmin Esther Morgan and Nick Stone.
Cover art has included the likes of Barbara Hepworth, Patrick Sutherland, Paula Rego, Angie Lewin, Dee Nickerson and Eric Ravilious, as well as many pieces by new and emerging print-makers, artists and photographers.