We are a Shoreditch-based agency working on the creative industries, economic development and the digital economy. We focus on the diversification of cities and collaborate with partners to connect creative products to new dynamic markets. Our Story SA Creative Labs was formed after a very successful 15 months at the Barbican Art Centre. Initially working on the Cultural Olympiad during London 2012, Ash Mishra took the team across to Shoreditch in May 2013 and kick started the idea of focusing on city development, the creative industries and the digital economy. The idea was to draw on the team’s multidisciplinary backgrounds to help cities move from low cost economic base lines using the creative industries. The original idea for SA Creative Labs came up in Beijing 2008 when Ash worked for the London Development Agency and the Mayor of London. Whilst looking for innovative solutions for London House in Beijing, he recognized the potential of the creative industries and how showcasing creative products in developing markets could really help cities diversify from their traditional economic bases. The Story of SA Creative Labs and more importantly its team gained traction when they received official recognition for their work from the Ministry of Culture in China for work on the Cultural Olympiad in London 2012. Having worked previously in local and international development the team chose to focus on new high growth markets and cutting edge creative products.