Former Remai Modern CEO Gregory Burke exits new gallery job in New Zealand
Burke has withdrawn his application amidst a Saskatchewan human rights probe into alleged workplace harassment
Gregory Burke, whose tenure as the head of Saskatoon's Remai Modern Art Museum recently ended amidst an ongoing human rights investigation for past alleged workplace harassment, has bowed out of his new gallery job in New Zealand.
"I am concerned that the attention caused by this allegation has created a distraction for the gallery's board and staff and, out of respect for them and the institution, I believe that this is the right thing to do," Burke said in a statement to TV New Zealand (TVNZ), which was shared with CBC News.
Earlier this month, CBC News reported that a woman who worked with Burke at Remai Modern's former home, Mendel Art Gallery, filed a complaint against Burke for alleged workplace harassment. The complaint, which has not been proven in court, is being investigated by the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.
Burke had already been tapped as director of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, citing that new job opportunity as the reason for his leaving Remai Modern. Burke announced his resignation from Remai Modern in December.
The organization that operates Auckland Art Gallery, Regional Facilities Auckland, said in its own statement to TVNZ that it "accepts Gregory's decision and wishes him the best for the future. Our focus, as always, is on the exciting opportunities ahead for Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, as we recommence our search for a new gallery director."
Burke 'eager' to clear his name
CBC News has reached out to Burke for comment.
In a previous statement, Burke said he was aware of the "unproven allegation" and that it dated back to 2013 and was filed in 2016.
"I continue to cooperate fully and engage actively in the process," he said of the human rights commission process. "I am eager to clear any speculation of wrongdoing since the allegation has been incorrectly characterized in media reports."
CBC News obtained a commission document that confirmed the investigation and is not identifying the complainant. Her lawyer also confirmed the complaint.
The commission document does not detail the specifics of the allegation. The corporate entities for both Mendel Art Gallery and Remai Modern are named alongside Burke as respondents.
"My aim investigating this complaint is to determine the facts and gather relevant perspectives on the situation," wrote commission investigator Lewanna Dubray in the document.
Dubray said she is seeking information from the complainant, Burke and "all potential witnesses."
New Zealand job would have seen Burke come 'full circle'
Auckland Art Gallery announced Burke's hiring on Dec. 20, a day after Burke announced his resignation from Remai Modern. Burke is originally from New Zealand.
"Burke's career comes full circle when he returns to the gallery that, in 1983, first inspired him to embark on a visual arts career specialising in audio-visual projects," the gallery said in a press release at the time.
The gallery touted Burke for his track record in attracting destination visitors.
"Under Gregory's leadership, Remai Modern attracted over 450,000 visitors in its first year of operation, 240 per cent more than anticipated in a city of only 300,000 people, with 40 per cent of visitors from outside the region."
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