Sister City partnerships are created by an act of the City Council. According to Sister Cities International, "A sister city, county, or state relationship is a broad-based, long-term partnership between two communities in two countries. A relationship is officially recognized after the highest elected or appointed official from both communities sign off on an agreement to become sister cities."
Burbank has five Sister Cities. Burbank officials work with officials from these cities to increase global understanding. Activities have included visits by officials, an art exchange, and letters of support or congratulations.
In Burbank, Sister City activities are coordinated by Burbank Public Library. Contact the Library at 818-238-5551 or [email protected] with inquiries.
Burbank Sister Cities
SOLNA, SWEDEN -- In June 1960, the mayor of Burbank appointed a committee to choose a suitable Sister City. Solna was selected because of its many similar characteristics to Burbank. Solna's main industries are film and electronics; it has an airport; and it is adjacent to another major city, Stockholm.
INCHEON, KOREA -- At the invitation of Incheon, Burbank's second Sister City affiliation was formed in October 1961. The friendship between the citizens of Burbank and Incheon resulted from a letter written by an Incheon student requesting Burbank's help to obtain books written in English so that people of his community could learn the English language and find out about the American way of life. Incheon and Burbank currently participate in student exchanges.
GABORONE, BOTSWANA -- Burbank extended the Sister City invitation to Gaborone in 1975, and the city accepted. During the 1984 Olympic Games held in Los Angeles, Burbank hosted the Botswana Olympic team.
OTA, JAPAN -- In 1984, Ota invited Burbank to join with them as Sister Cities. Burbank and Ota students participate in a cultural exchange program, with students from each city visiting the other in alternate years.
AREZZO, ITALY -- Burbank's newest Sister City relationship was formed after the Burbank City Council invited Arezzo to partner in November 2022.
Upcoming Programs
2027 Sister City Student Exchange Program
6:00 PM Tuesday, September 1, 2026 (Online)
6:00 PM Monday, September 14, 2026 (Buena Vista Branch Library)
6:00 PM Monday, October 5, 2026 (Buena Vista Branch Library)
The City of Burbank and the Burbank Sister City Committee are thrilled to announce opportunities for the 2027 Sister City Student Exchange Program.
Burbank continues its long-standing tradition of cultural exchange with its Sister Cities. In summer 2026, a delegation of Burbank students and adult chaperones will travel to Incheon, South Korea.
Interested students, parents, and prospective chaperones are invited to attend the Burbank Sister City Committee Informational Meeting for detailed information about the program, application process, and the incredible benefits of participating.
Download applications here for student travel and chaperone, or email BSCC President Cheryl Johnson-Hartwell at [email protected]. You are also welcome to call the Library at 818-238-5551 and ask for the Burbank Sister City Library Liaison, Leslie Sandoval.
Italy! Colpi di Maschera
6:30 PM Friday, October 23
Buena Vista Branch Library
Colpi di Maschera is a vibrant celebration of Commedia dell’Arte, the iconic Italian theatrical tradition born in the 16th century and widely regarded as one of the foundations of modern comedy. Featuring its legendary masked characters, physical comedy, and improvisational spirit, this fast-paced, family-friendly production reimagines the art form for contemporary audiences through Shakespearean adventure, cinematic references, and playful pop culture.
This program is presented in partnership with Fondazione Italia, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Italian language and culture. Since 1998, Fondazione Italia has provided language instruction for students of all ages and organized cultural programs that connect communities to Italian traditions, while also supporting K–12 Italian language education through grants and scholarships.
Burbank Sister City Committee
The Burbank Sister City Committee (BSCC) is an independent nonprofit organization that works with the City of Burbank to coordinate annual high school student exchanges between Burbank and two of its Sister Cities, Incheon, Korea, and Ota, Japan. BSCC also engages occasionally in activities with the other Sister Cities and supports City efforts.
Opportunities are available for community members to serve on the board of BSCC, host visiting students in the summers, and learn more about the exchanges as a Burbank student. BSCC meetings are generally held the first Monday of the month at 6:30 pm, at Buena Vista Branch Library. To learn more about BSCC, visit www.BurbankSisterCity.org.
A Friendship City is an international relationship of less formality than a Sister City. Burbank currently has no Friendship Cities.