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. The 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 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.
Hofland's distinguished career in Asian art, education, and cultural exchange embodies the spirit of the award. 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 collaborative bridge-building is the 2026 Mochitsuki Japanese New Year celebration held on January 11. Under Hofland's guidance, the Crow Museum of Asian Art and the University of Texas at Dallas Center for Asian Studies collaborated with the Japan America Society of DFW to host and sponsor the event at their facility. The celebration welcomed approximately 2,000 attendees who enjoyed traditional Japanese performances, cultural demonstrations such as mochi pounding, and sampled freshly made mochi, creating an engaging introduction to Japanese culture for the community.
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 on sponsorship opportunities and details is available.
For business and technology leaders, this recognition underscores the critical role that cultural institutions and their leaders play in fostering the international relationships that underpin global commerce and innovation. In an era where cross-border collaboration is essential for technological advancement and economic growth, figures like Hofland who build genuine cultural understanding create the foundational trust necessary for successful partnerships. Her work at the Crow Museum demonstrates how cultural diplomacy, often facilitated through technology and educational programming, can directly support broader business and diplomatic objectives between major economies like the U.S. and Japan.
