Saad Qureshi Studio - Tower of Now Bradford 2025

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Critically acclaimed artist Saad Qureshi was commissioned as part of Bradford UK City of Culture 2025 to design and curate a bold new public artwork. The ‘Tower of Now’ is a 49ft sculpture which blends together architectural styles from around the globe including Gothic, Flemish, Roman, and Chinese. The sculpture incorporates elements from Judaeo-Christian, Hindu, Islamic, and Buddhist traditions, reflecting Bradford’s rich history and diverse cultural communities.

Born in Pakistan and raised in Bradford, Saad frequently explores themes of memory, identity, and belonging in his work, inspired by his own multicultural experiences in the city. This sculpture illustrates how our surroundings influence our sense of identity, serving both as a tribute to Bradford’s past, and a celebration of its present. 

Working alongside Saad and the Bradford 2025 team we developed a media strategy that amplified engagement, secured on-the-ground press coverage for the opening, and raised local awareness of the project. Saad was featured on the front page of the Telegraph & Argus when the commission was announced, and online in FAD Magazine and BBC News. The sculpture was unveiled on 26 April and Saad was interviewed live on BBC Radio Leeds, which was broadcast across York and Sheffield. He also featured on BBC Look North and further articles in the Telegraph & Argus and BBC News. During the unveiling weekend, The Times featured an image of the tower both online and in print.