Remai’s Burke declines to comment on ‘unproven allegation’ against him
The outgoing executive director and CEO of the Remai Modern art gallery says he’s eager to clear his name.
Gregory Burke issued a statement on Monday saying he could not comment on an investigation into his conduct until it is concluded.
Burke was referring to a report by CBC News last week that cited a Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission harassment complaint against him by an unnamed female employee who no longer works for the gallery.
Burke said he is aware of an “unproven allegation” against him that dates backs to 2013, when he was first hired as executive director of the Mendel Art Gallery, the Remai Modern’s predecessor.
“I continue to co-operate fully and engage actively in the process,” Burke said in the statement. “I am eager to clear any speculation of wrongdoing since the allegation has been incorrectly characterized in media reports.”
Burke did not specify how the allegation has been incorrectly characterized, but media in his hometown of Auckland, New Zealand and art publications have also repeated it.
He said the allegation was filed in 2016.
After leading the Remai Modern to an opening year that surpassed projections, Burke announced in December he was leaving to lead the Auckland Art Gallery. His last day at Remai Modern is Friday.
“I appreciate the messages of support that I have received to date and will provide further comment in the very near future,” Burke said in the statement.
Ousted Remai Modern board chair Scott Verity released a statement on Sunday night in which he said the pressure of the gallery’s first year and opening created “workplace conflicts.”
Verity cited the human rights commission complaint, but did not mention Burke by name. Verity said three formal workplace complaints had been investigated by third parties and all were found to be unsubstantiated.
Mayor Charlie Clark said Monday that city hall became involved when concerns were raised about the gallery as a workplace. Clark would not say what the concerns were.
Half of the board, including the entire executive, is departing this month; some have hinted at political interference in the gallery’s operations.