Sask. allegation forces gallery CEO out of New Zealand job

Former Remai Modern Art Gallery CEO Gregory Burke is withdrawing from a gallery director position in Auckland, New Zealand because of a harassment allegation he’s facing in Saskatoon.

Burke told TV New Zealand in a statement he felt “the attention caused by this allegation has created a distraction for the (Auckland Art) gallery’s board and staff.”

“Out of respect for them and the institution, I believe that (withdrawing) is the right thing to do,” he wrote.

In a separate statement sent to 650 CKOM, Burke confirmed he is facing an “unproven allegation” that dates back to 2013, when he was still working for the Mendel Art Gallery — which eventually moved to the Remai Modern in October 2017.

Details of the allegation are sparse, but it was reportedly filed by a female co-worker alleging workplace harassment.

The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission would neither confirm or deny the existence of the complaint, citing privacy concerns.

Burke announced his resignation from the Remai Modern in December, saying the opportunity to go home to Auckland was too good to pass up.

His last day in the position was March 15, when the gallery removed his CEO profile and welcome message from its website.

In his statement to 650 CKOM, Burke expressed confidence his name would be cleared.

“I am eager to clear any speculation of wrongdoing,” he said.