Italy was the birthplace of the Renaissance, is home to the famed Venice Biennale, and now an art event - thought to be the biggest ever held in Italy - will be taking place at Cassino from 15-29 May this year to commemorate New Zealand’s involvement there in 1944.

The Battle of Monte Cassino was a series of four battles during World War II, fought by the Allies with the intention of liberating Rome. New Zealand became involved during the second of the four battles, the Corps commanded by Lt. Gen. Bernard Freyberg. Under his command, and in an effort to minimise casualties, a massive bombardment of the German defences in the area laid waste the historic monastery and the surrounding locale. Controversy about this decision would persist long after the war was over and the battle front itself in Cassino persevered for five months. The exhibition to take place in May aims to record the emotional history of the returned soldiers, the waiting families, and their altered lives in New Zealand.

The exhibition will be held in the public library in the centre of Cassino and a gala opening will take place on May 15. Italian-based Kiwi organiser Kay de Lautour Scott is quoted as saying that May was chosen specifically to mark the end of the battle and that it is a busy time of year already with visits from veterans groups, commemoration services, and the unveiling of new memorials.

While museums at home and abroad are still to be recognised for their extensive contribution to the commemoration of New Zealand’s contribution in World War II, it is heartening to note that this exhibition will not only recognise the efforts of the soldiers in Cassino but those of the families in New Zealand who supported their brothers, fathers, sons who travelled half a world away to fight for our country and the emotional toll paid by all involved.

The New Zealand Art Guild are putting out a call for New Zealand artists to take part in the exhibition. Artists who have a connection with soldiers who fought in Cassino will be the first preference selections. The Guild can be contacted via http://www.nzartguild.co.nz/.