As Crane Brothers marks its 25th anniversary, founder Murray Crane is proud to announce the establishment of a new Foundation, dedicated to supporting contemporary design, art, and culture in Aotearoa.

The Foundation builds on Crane Brothers’ rich legacy of excellence and innovation, with a mission is to safeguard and promote the future of vital creative industries and ensure that they continue to thrive for generations to come.

The cornerstone of this initiative is a partnership with The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi and the establishment of a Laureate Award for design that celebrates exceptional innovation across industrial and product design, architecture, interior design, and sustainable innovation. An award of $30,000 (topped up to $35,000 by One New Zealand) will be gifted every second year to an outstanding design artist whose work challenges conventions, inspires new possibilities, and enriches New Zealand’s creative landscape.

The Foundation will introduce the Crane Brothers Design Award as part of the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate Awards on 18 October. This event will celebrate the first Laureate of this prestigious award and highlight the Foundation’s commitment to design excellence and cultural enrichment.

This new initiative will build on Crane Brothers’ rich legacy of excellence and innovation and will reflect on Crane Brothers’ long-standing appreciation for art and design. The Laureate represents a significant step in fostering creative practices and cultural enrichment.

“The establishment of the Foundation marks a new chapter in our journey as a brand deeply embedded in New Zealand’s cultural fabric,” said Murray Crane, Founder of Crane Brothers. “By investing in art, design, and culture and collaborating with the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi, we aim to preserve and nurture the creative spirit that defines our nation. The Crane Brothers Design Award is just the beginning of our long-term vision to support excellence and innovation in these fields.”

Jessica Palalagi, Kaiwhakahaere / General Manager of The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi, says: “The Crane Brothers Design Award highlights design’s essential role in serving human needs, solving problems, and bringing joy. It shapes everything from the objects we use to the spaces we inhabit and often involves collaboration. This award is a fantastic addition to our Laureate line-up, celebrating the impact of design on our taiao, our environment. Murray’s generosity recognises the importance designers have played and continue to play in all parts of our lives.”

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Established in 1999 in an abandoned hotel space on Auckland’s High Street by founder Murray Crane, Crane Brothers has built a stellar reputation for superior craftsmanship, timeless design, and exceptional client service. As part of this milestone, the original High Street flagship store has recently undergone a significant refurbishment, continuing to symbolise Crane Brothers’ enduring legacy.

“Celebrating 25 years of Crane Brothers is testimony to our innate desire to never compromise on quality” said Murray Crane. “I see the anniversary as not about reflecting on the past, it is a catalyst to consider and discuss our future. While we honour our rich heritage we remain focused on continuous improvement and innovation.”

Beyond an initial 10-year commitment, Crane Brothers is dedicated to the ongoing preservation and advancement of art and design through future initiatives. The vision is to create a lasting impact, continuously supporting and fostering creative excellence in New Zealand.