PRESS RELEASE: Secretary of State Cord Byrd Announces Opening of Exhibition Celebrating 29th Anniversary of the Florida-Wakayama Sister State Agreement

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. –

Today, Secretary of State Cord Byrd announces the opening of an exciting exhibit celebrating 29 years of the Florida-Wakayama Sister State Agreement. The exhibit is on view in the 22^nd Floor Capitol Art Gallery beginning October 16, 2024, through December 31, 2024. There will be a reception on October 16, 2024, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

“As we commemorate the 29^th anniversary of the Florida-Wakayama Sister State agreement, the relationship between our two nations continues to flourish,” said Secretary Byrd. “Florida is proud to host this exhibit, which highlights talented artists from Japan and Florida. We look forward to showcasing the hospitality and cultural exchanges which lie at the heart of the agreement between Florida and Wakayama.

The State of Florida and Wakayama Prefecture signed an agreement for a Sister-State relationship on October 4, 1995, with the commitment to strengthen friendship and understanding, focusing on trade, the economy, and social and cultural development. The cultural exchanges between Wakayama and the State of Florida remain one of the most significant parts of the Sister State Agreement of 1995. Renowned artists from Wakayama have visited Florida to teach and demonstrate their craft, and Florida artists have been able to greatly benefit from these masters and also to travel to Japan for instruction in artists’ studios. This is a precious and valuable relationship. The Florida Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture is honored to be a part of this long history.

Building on the goodwill established by the Florida-Wakayama Cultural Association and the Florida Division of Arts and Culture, Master mask maker, Mr. Hakuzan Kubo agreed to send a collection of rarely exhibited Noh Masks to Florida. To further encourage variety in the exhibition, the University of West Florida, the Morikami Museum, the Gulf Coast Kiln Walk Society, private collectors and three Divisions of the Florida Department of State have loaned pieces to create this exhibit honoring the 29th Anniversary of the Florida-Wakayama Sister State Agreement.

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About the Division of Arts and Culture

The Florida Department of State’s Division of Arts and Culture is Florida’s legislatively designated state arts agency. The Division promotes the arts and culture as essential to quality of life for all Floridians. To achieve its mission, the Division funds and supports cultural programs that provide artistic excellence, education, access and economic vitality for Florida’s communities. For more information, visit DOS.FL.gov/cultural.