COMMUNITY theatre groups say poor funding of the sector and lack of media coverage have impacted negatively on the growth of Zimbabwe's arts industry.

The groups raised the concerns at the Jahunda Arts Festival held more than a fortnight ago in Gwanda, Matabeleland South.

Organised by Savanna Trust, the festival gave upcoming local theatre groups an opportunity to showcase their productions.

It was held under the theme "Artists Re-engaging the Community in National Development".

The director of Jahunda Community Arts Ensemble, Adrian Musa said his group's failure to access funding had imposed limitations on their efforts to reach larger audiences.

"We feel neglected as far as support for the arts industry is concerned," Musa said. "We are dreaming big but our hopes are being shattered by lack of support."

He said not enough was being done to support community theatre in the country.

The theatre groups also appealed to organisations such as the Culture Fund to consider them for funding as they felt the development of an arts industry in Gwanda was lagging behind.

Leonard Mhatsa, Savanna Trust's information officer also echoed the same sentiments and called on the corporate sector to assist in the development of community theatre in the country.

He said: "As Savanna Trust we are doing all we can to develop the arts industry in Zimbabwe and we would like to call upon other well-wishers to exhibit the same attitude."

In February and March this year Savanna Trust will host two arts festivals in Karoi and Kadoma respectively.

The events according to Mhatsa are meant to expand audiences for theatre groups and enable them to become a platform for empowering communities through art.