Alain Barker

Born and raised in South Africa, Alain Barker (DM, MM) has an entrepreneurial career that includes arts organization development, arts policy research, communications and marketing, teaching and performance.

In 2014, he was appointed director of entrepreneurship and career development at the IU Jacobs School of Music. Since then, he has been involved developing a comprehensive entrepreneurship and career development program that weaves together services of the Office of Entrepreneurship and Career Development with individual departments, IU Bloomington career resources, and national professional services.

From 2004-2014, Barker directed the Jacobs School’s marketing and publicity operations. Initiatives during this time included a rebranding of the school, development of multiple communications platforms, and integration of social media into school life. Barker was executive director of the Bloomington Early Music Festival from 1994-2004 and has worked as a consultant to the Garth Newel Music Center in Virginia; agent, organizer and publicist for local not-for-profits, concert series and artists; manager of three international tours.

Barker was co-principal flute in the Orchestra of the Asturian Principality, in Oviedo, Spain, and principal flute in the Marion Philharmonic. He has performed in numerous recitals and music festivals around the U.S. and toured across the U.S., as well as to Mexico, Colombia, and Israel. He taught for four years as a visiting lecturer in flute during the Jacobs School’s summer semester.

A member of Rotary since 2015, he served as President of the Bloomington Rotary Club during the 2022-23 year. He has also served as a member of a number of local board and commissions, including the City of Bloomington Arts Commission, WFIU Community Advisory Board, Bloomington Early Music Festival, and the IU Arts & Humanities Council.