Former Remai Modern CEO: Gallery’s future ‘uncertain’

Former Remai Modern CEO Gregory Burke says the gallery’s future is “uncertain” and its credibility is in jeopardy just one year after opening.

Burke’s comments were made in an op-ed published this week and obtained by 650 CKOM following the recent controversy surrounding the gallery. Burke gave his resignation in December and served his last day on the job March 15th.

“The politicized forces that have worked to undermine this success need to be confronted now if Remai Modern is to continue to deliver on its potential and promise to the community,” Burke wrote.

Burke, who spent five years as chief executive officer, first at the Mendel Art Gallery and then the Remai Modern, detailed the challenges of getting the gallery opened.

He said he inherited a project that was “alarmingly” short on funding for construction and operations. “Something radical needed to happen to avert disaster,” he wrote. “To be successful the gallery needed to inspire the Saskatoon community, while becoming a compelling destination for visitors.”

Burke said he faced constant opposition to the vision and direction of the gallery as a local and international destination. He alleged a campaign began after the October 2016 election to have him removed as CEO. “Board members often commenting that I had a bullseye on my back.”

The board went through a major shake-up in February that saw seven board members resign or not welcomed back without an explanation from city council.

Workplace conflicts and an allegation of harassment against Burke by a former female co-worker added to the turmoil surrounding the city-owned gallery.

Burke noted with “alarm” the non-reappointment of business leaders to the board, adding their business and governance skills are instrumental in raising millions of dollars each year. Burke said in 2019,  Remai Modern needs to raise $5.4 million in private funding to meet its budget.

“The gallery is the only one of such scale in Canada, where the council completely controls the board appointment process, making the gallery susceptible to the whim of political interference.

Burke wrote overseeing the opening of the gallery has been one of the most gratifying aspects of his life. However, the “recent events have sorely tested the values upon which Remai Modern was built.”

Mayor addresses op-ed

Mayor Charlie Clark addressed Burke’s opinion piece with reporters at City Hall on Wednesday.

He was quick to dismiss Burke’s statement regarding political pressure from members on council.

“Any allegation that this is about political philosophy, differences, competing political visions of the gallery or anything along those lines are simply wrong,” Clark said.

During his 10-minute availability, Clark repeated numerous times that council’s job is to ensure a safe workplace for Remai employees and “ensure the integrity and health of the gallery.”

“The reality is that there were multiple concerns and that they persisted over time,” Clark said, acknowledging the complaints against Burke and adding that the city’s ombudsperson was involved.

“What we did is make sure that when they were brought to our attention, we worked with the board to make sure they were being dealt with.”

As far as any changes to the board appointment process, Clark said that is highly unlikely.

“As a city, we’ve operated control corporations for decades successfully,” he said. “And this is the model that has worked for our community and (the model) we will continue to focus on.”

Clark mentioned that a new CEO “is in place” and an acting interim director is also lined up for the role.

— With files from 650 CKOM’s Brent Bosker and Keenan Sorokan