Photo by Polina Osherov
MERU is a management and consulting company founded by Michael Kaufmann. MERU collaborates to make space for the creation and experience of surprising beauty. He believes in the power of music, art, and design and its ability to ask critical questions, build social cohesion, advance community resilience, and imagine new possibilities. He founded MERU on these principles.
In addition to his artist development and management work with MERU, Michael consults community foundations and non-profit organizations on place-based investment strategies. He is the grant writer and project manager for Central Indiana Community Foundation’s Connected Community Initiative, which was awarded $25M from the Lilly Endowment Inc. and resulted in an additional $25M investment by the City of Indianapolis for the development of Indianapolis’ greenways network. He is also consulting 16 Tech in the development of its public realm and art program.
Michael started his career in music as A&R and label manager for Asthmatic Kitty Records. He signed and released debut albums by the Castanets, Julianna Barwick, and Helado Negro. Through the label, he also supported the growth of many artists, including My Brightest Diamond and Sufjan Stevens.
In his spare time, Michael enjoys riding his bike and writing via Substack. He is married to the wonderfully talented singer-poet Liz Janes and is the father of two young men full of unhinged creativity and joy.