The Auckland Art Gallery has secured a new director in the wake of its original selection for the role withdrawing.
New Zealander Gregory Burke was set to take over as the director of gallery this month, but made the decision not to due to a workplace harassment allegation against him which is being investigated by the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
Regional Facilities Auckland have announced Kirsten Paisley as his replacement.
She’s moving to New Zealand from Australia for the position with more than two decades of leadership and management experience in Australian art museums and contemporary art spaces.
Regional Facilities Auckland chief executive Chris Brooks said, "Following an extensive international search, we garnered a shortlist of exceptional candidates for the Director role. With the incumbent’s withdrawal last month, we were able with confidence to immediately secure Kirsten’s appointment."
Ms Paisley has most recently been the deputy director for the National Gallery of Australia (NGA), which has an annual turnover of over $A54 million.
During her time in the role audiences grew by 10 per cent year on year and commercial revenue significantly increased.
Mr Brooks says she’ll bring "a wealth of experience to our gallery".
"She is dedicated to creating powerful connections between art and people, and to growing new audiences through exciting and innovative exhibitions and programming," he said.
Ms Paisley said, "I feel entirely honoured to be able to play a part in New Zealand’s cultural legacy at this point in history."
She will take up the position as director of the Auckland Art Gallery in May.
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