Share

COVID-19

COVID-19

Hi Friends

We are gathering some of our thoughts, learnings, resources and things we are seeing out there re: COVID-19 on this page. In typical GSP-style, it’s real estate, restaurant, retail and arts centric. As with the situation, this page will evolve in the coming days but it’s our sincere hope there’s content here that is helpful to you as we collectively deal with and problem solve around the very real challenges before us. Oh, and please send us (community@graffito.com) articles, updates, learnings, etc. as you find them and we’ll post here.


Topics covered on this page:

GSP THOUGHTS   |   OTHER PERSPECTIVES   |   RESOURCES

GSP THoughts

We’re sharing our point of view on the situation as it unfolds.

 

My major takeaway of 2021 is that the sense of urgency — the faster is better approach — that is embedded in much of our work is a major problem; and often a massive miss. It spurs project outcomes that are less thoughtful, calculated, and creative. Further, urgency in professional settings, especially at real estate firms, may result in processes that leave critical stakeholders behind, fuel flawed internal decision making, and perpetuate certain aspects of institutional racism in the staffing, permitting, underwriting, design, and marketing of projects.

Update #19: Urgency Examined

READ MORE
As we enter fall and look towards 2022, the Graffito team will be approaching all of what we do with the same intensity, commitment to learning, flexibility, and willingness to pivot as we did in 2020 when the pandemic first hit and these updates began.

Update #18: 2021 Optimism (Mostly)

READ MORE
I would not have predicted this is where the country would be one year later. It’s been a long winter, but hope springs eternal. Looking forward to seeing everyone on the other side.

Looking Back, Looking Forward

READ MORE

Other Perspectives

Hear what our friends, clients, and colleagues have to say.

 

Some chefs and owners have decided to remain “open,” providing takeout and other essential services to Boston diners. Recently on his website, Brian began sharing his ongoing project, Covid-19 Portrait Project, which features local chefs and owners while they are making the best of a very difficult scenario.

Brian Samuels Covid-19 Portrait Project

READ MORE
Big and small brands all over the world are doing what they can to make a splash in the press. Ok, you could argue, if you were less cynical than me, that these companies are just doing their best to help during the coronavirus outbreak by sending a positive message, or by making us laugh, both of which are equally important right now.

Logos These Days

READ MORE
Last week Vaugh Tan shared four principles for how businesses should respond to uncertainty at this moment (and generally) and it’s must read content.

Undeniable Uncertainty (Read This Now)

READ MORE

Resources

Tools available to our community to aid in relief during the COVID-19 situation:

Running a Food Business in the face of COVID-19: Comprehensive Resource Guide provided by CommonWealth Kitchen.

Small Business Recovery Loan Fund: The $10 million Fund provides emergency capital to Massachusetts-based businesses with under 50 full- and part-time employees

Massachusetts Dept. of Unemployment Assistance: Apply for unemployment benefits

Small Business Assistance for COVID-19: Information about the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

US Small Business Administration: Guide from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for Businesses and Employers to Plan/Respond to COVID-19

Boston Area Restaurant Changes (Ongoing List): Eater Boston’s ongoing tracking of closures, service changes, fundraising, and more in the wake of COVID-19

Boston Artist Relief Fund: Grants to artists in Boston who are effected by COVID-19

Resources for Artists in the COVID-19 Crisis: Kickstarter has compiled a list of emergency grants, freelance resources, legal aid, and more.

Disaster Assistance: The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters.

Boston Singers Relief Fund: BSRF is offering emergency relief for singers with gigs cancelled due to COVID-19.

Boston Music Maker Relief Fund: A fund to provide financial relief to music makers in the Boston area experiencing lost revenue from gig cancellations.

Theater Community Benevolent Fund: Financial relief to individual theater practitioners and non-profit theater organizations of Greater Boston and the surrounding areas.

Resources from New England Foundation for the Arts: Resources and updates

Preventing The Spread Of Coronavirus in Food Service Establishments

General Hygiene, Social Distancing and Food Waste Guidance for Take-Out Restaurants and Food Markets