Boss rejects media reports
Auckland Art Gallery’s new director says he is “eager to clear any speculation of wrongdoing” after an allegation of workplace harassment in Canada.
Gregory Burke is set to step into his Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Ta¯maki role next month, after resigning as chief executive of Remai Modern gallery in Saskatoon, Canada.
He had earlier spent more than 20 years working in art museums in New Zealand and Canada.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) has reported the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission is investigating an allegation of workplace harassment.
Burke told CBC News the allegation had been “incorrectly characterised in media reports. I am aware of an unproven allegation against me that dates back to 2013 and was filed in 2016.
“I continue to co-operate fully and engage actively in the process,” Burke said in a statement. “I am eager to clear any speculation of wrongdoing since the allegation has been incorrectly characterised in media reports.”
The complaint was laid by a woman who worked with Burke at the Mendel Art Gallery, now known as Remai Modern, CBC News said.
Burke’s statement was the first he had made since the news broke a week ago.
“Given the sensitivities involved, I am unable to speak publicly on the matter until the [human rights commission] process has concluded,” he said. “I appreciate the messages of support that I have received to date and will provide further comment in the very near future.”
Chris Brooks, chief executive of Regional Facilities Auckland and acting art gallery director, said last week his team knew of the reported investigation.
CBC said it did not know the specifics of the allegation.