SASKATOON.- Remai Modern announced today that Gregory Burke, Executive Director & CEO, has resigned effective March 15, 2019. Burke will return to his homeland of New Zealand, where he has been appointed Director of Auckland Art Gallery.

“It’s been an enormous privilege to work with visionary donors, an ambitious and committed board, and the people of Saskatoon to establish Remai Modern,” Burke said. “I have been thrilled by the response from the local community, as well as national and international visitors, artists and collaborators. Saskatoon and Remai Modern will always have a special place in my heart.”

Burke was appointed Executive Director & CEO of Saskatoon’s Mendel Art Gallery in 2013 and worked tirelessly to successfully open Remai Modern in October 2017.

Under Burke’s leadership, Remai Modern celebrated its one-year anniversary in October 2018, far surpassing visitor targets with more than 450,000 visits and attracting more than 9,000 members. According to a recent Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) report, the total economic impact on GDP from Remai Modern’s first year of operations was $21.3 million, which contributed either directly or indirectly to the creation of almost 200 full-time equivalent jobs relating to tourism alone.

“The board offers Gregory our heartfelt thanks for his passion and dedication to the monumental project of opening Remai Modern, Canada’s newest modern art museum,” said Scott Verity, Chair of Remai Modern. “We wish Gregory the very best in his new role and look forward to continuing to build on the solid foundation he has created for Remai Modern.”

Burke will remain in Saskatoon over the next three months, supporting Remai Modern through the initial transition phase. The board is planning an interim transition as it seeks to recruit new leadership. In partnership with the City of Saskatoon and the committed team at Remai Modern, the board will ensure a strong path forward that builds on the museum’s success.