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Gregory Burke saw a unique opportunity in Saskatoon.

Hired in 2013 as CEO of the Mendel Art Gallery, Burke’s true challenge was leading the transition to the new Remai Modern. When the job first caught his eye he immediately recognized it as something special.

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“I thought, ‘Oh my God. There are so many things here aligning that so rarely happen.’ And when I say rarely happen it’s not once in a lifetime, it’s once in many generations,” Burke says.

Four years later – after delays, controversies and the myriad challenges associated with establishing an international attraction – the Remai Modern is poised to open Oct. 20.

Starting a new art museum is about much more than just deciding what will occupy the spaces. There are architectural plans to finalize, staff to hire and revenue streams to establish. Jason Aebig, who was chair of the Mendel board when Burke was hired, says Burke brought the right combination of artistic and entrepreneurial mindsets.