A Pakistani-born artist who moved to Bradford at the age of ten is aiming to be the next big thing after being granted the tutelage of art world supremo Charles Saatchi in a new TV talent search.

Saad Qureshi, 23, is among six hopefuls who have been chosen for their “raw” artistic talent and may be given the chance to be given exposure on the international stage by featuring in one of Saatchi’s exhibitions.

Mr Qureshi, who works in mixed media, lived in Bradford when he first moved to Britain and said he had become interested in art because of an “inspirational” art teacher.

The student, who is currently taking a masters degree in fine art painting in London, made the shortlist of virtual unknowns which has been whittled down from an initial 12 who will be seen starting the series in the first episode of School of Saatchi, broadcast on BBC2 tonight.

He will be up against rivals Suki Chan, Matt Clark, Eugenie Scrase, Ben Lowe and Samuel Zealey.

Despite lending his name to the series and making the final judgment on the winner, publicity-shy Saatchi is not actually seen on screen.

The enigmatic collector even shuns the openings of his own galleries and exhibition launches.

Expert panellists in the show, including Tracey Emin, art collector Frank Cohen and the critic Matthew Collings, helped to advise Saatchi during the selection process.

The six artists – chosen for their raw talent and creative edge – will be seen attending a unique art school, established just for them, where over the course of ten weeks they were able to develop their skills.

Eminent artists such as Martin Creed and Mat Collishaw are among those who have guided them.

Mat Collinshaw said: “Oppor-tunities like this do not arise every day and in most people’s lives they never arise. These artists have got to come up with something that’s got to be impressive so there’s a great deal of pressure Saatchi is putting on them.”

Saatchi will choose one of the artists to exhibit their work at Newspeak: British Art Now, his exhibition at The State Hermitage Museum in Russia.

Also at stake is a free studio which the winner can use for three years. The four-part series is part of The Modern Beauty Season on BBC2 and BBC4 looking at beauty in modern art.

e-mail: marc.meneaud@telegraphandargus.co.uk.