Forty artists sign up for Monte Cassino exhibition

Nearly 40 artists have signed up for an Italian art exhibition to commemorate New Zealand's involvement in the World War 2 battle of Monte Cassino.

The 37 entries make up the biggest single New Zealand art event ever held in Italy. Most of the 37 artists had grandparents, uncles and relatives who fought in the war, or who fought in Italy and some had grandparents and relatives who were at the Battle of Monte Cassino, Italian organiser Kay de Lautour said.

The commemorative art event was labelled the Legato exhibition, Ms De Lautour said.

Legato in Italian meant intertwined, like strands of rope, giving it strength.

"The legacy of war is part of our common heritage. Now it is our task to make a lasting peace the focus of that heritage.

"Kiwis are held in high regard around here. They are remembered for feeding the children, providing clothing, stealing army blankets for the cold," Ms de Lautour said. The exhibition will be held in Cassino's public library complex in the centre of the town with a formal gala opening on May 15.

- NZPA