The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) has named Amy Hofland, Director of the Crow Museum of Asian Art at The University of Texas at Dallas, as the 2026 Bridges-to-Friendship Award Winner. Hofland will be honored at the 2026 Sun & Star Legacy Awards Gala on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in the Grand Ballroom at the Irving Convention Center. The Bridges-to-Friendship Award recognizes individuals whose leadership and lifelong commitment have strengthened cultural understanding and fostered enduring connections between Japan, the United States, and the broader global community.
Hofland's distinguished career in Asian art, education, and cultural exchange embodies the spirit of this honor. As Director of the Crow Museum of Asian Art, she leads the preeminent museum in the southern United States dedicated to the art and cultures of China, Japan, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia. Since joining the institution at its inception and later becoming executive director in 2002, she has shaped the museum into a nationally recognized center for artistic excellence, education, wellness, and cross-cultural engagement. Under her leadership, the museum expanded its permanent collection, launched major exhibitions, pioneered Asian-inspired wellness programming, and strengthened its role as a cultural bridge between East and West.
Her work has consistently emphasized accessibility, compassion, and community connection—values that align closely with JASDFW's mission to strengthen U.S.–Japan relations through education, business collaboration, and cultural understanding. A recent example of this collaboration was the 2026 Mochitsuki Japanese New Year celebration on January 11. The Crow Museum of Asian Art and the University of Texas at Dallas Center for Asian Studies collaborated with JASDFW to host and sponsor the event at their facility, which welcomed approximately 2,000 attendees who enjoyed traditional Japanese performances, cultural demonstrations such as mochi pounding, and sampled freshly made mochi.
The 2026 Sun & Star Legacy Awards Gala will bring together civic, business, and cultural leaders for an evening celebrating friendship, innovation, and leadership between Japan and Texas. This year's Special Guest of Honor and Sun & Star Legacy Award Recipient is Greg Abbott, recognizing his leadership and support of international business and cultural partnerships. JASDFW invites corporations, organizations, and community leaders to participate as sponsors of the 2026 Gala. Sponsorship support directly advances JASDFW's educational programs, professional exchanges, and cultural initiatives that deepen understanding and cooperation between Japan and the United States. More information about the event and sponsorship opportunities can be found at https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/.
Hofland's contributions have left a lasting impact on the Dallas Arts District and the broader international cultural landscape. This recognition highlights the importance of sustained, grassroots cultural diplomacy in an increasingly interconnected world. For businesses and organizations operating in global markets, such cross-cultural understanding fostered by institutions like the Crow Museum and JASDFW is essential for building trust, facilitating international partnerships, and creating more inclusive communities. The award underscores how cultural leadership can serve as a foundation for stronger international relations, potentially influencing educational curricula, business practices, and community engagement strategies that value diversity and global perspectives.
