Unlike unrealized architectural projects, which are frequently exhibited and circulated, unrealized artworks tend to remain unnoticed or little known. But perhaps there is another form of artistic agency in the partial expression, the incomplete idea, the projection of a mere intention? Agency of Unrealized Projects (AUP) seeks to document and display these works. Whether censored, forgotten, postponed, impossible, or rejected, unrealized projects form a unique testament to the speculative power of non-action.

AUP follows the publication entitled “Unbuilt Roads: 107 Unrealized Projects,” collated by Hans Ulrich Obrist and Guy Tortosa after several years of international research conducted in the late 1990s. Twenty years later, the Agency of Unrealized Projects was formed in collaboration with Julieta Aranda and Anton Vidokle, and an open call for unrealized projects was issued for its first public exhibition at ArtBasel in 2011. The open call will continue until all unrealized art projects are compiled.

City Hall Tower Night Ilumination - Krysztof Wodiczko

Cruzeiro Do Sul, (Southern Cross) (Crucero del Sur) 1969-70* - Cildo Meireles

Projets non réalisés: - Daniel Buren

Museum - Katharina Fritsch

Project for the Initiative Mahnmal Homosexuellenverfolgung, Frankfurt  - Jeff Wall

PROJEKT - Ulrich Rückreim

119. PROJET DE DESTRUCTION DU MUSEE 1970 - 1971 - Jef Geys

Ruderaltisch, 1994/95 Kunst am Bau - Projekt - Lois Weinberger

Prima del 73 - Fabio Mauri

No title, as the project only reached proposal stage - Rikrit Tiravanija

Agency of Unrealised Projects
Logo by Liam Gillick
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Date
Title
Source
Description
Tags
W4632
25.05.2011
Hat  - maschen
WWW
“Here the city unfolds, grows word by word, dynamic voices, that blur and focus.” excerpt by Poós Zoltán - Budapest Hat hat [turkish] line [english] a project by Anna Haber, Korinna Lindinger and Julia Rosenberger the line A line i ...
“Here the city unfolds, grows word by word, dynamic voices, that blur and focus.” excerpt by Poós Zoltán - Budapest Hat hat [turkish] line [english] a project by Anna Haber, Korinna Lindinger and Julia Rosenberger the line A line i ...
W5087
10.09.2012
Theâtre (theatre) - Vincent Roumagnac / Aurélie Pétrel / le vrac
WWW
In April 2012 Roumagnac gets from the directors of L!Elysée (theatre – Lyon, France) to proceed the whitening of their whole theatre (stage + audience space). Through this whitening Roumagnac aims to «"reveal"» the illusion of the disappearence of th ...
In April 2012 Roumagnac gets from the directors of L!Elysée (theatre – Lyon, France) to proceed the whitening of their whole theatre (stage + audience space). Through this whitening Roumagnac aims to «"reveal"» the illusion of the disappearence of th ...
W4307
24.05.2011
The War Of The Worlds (South Africa) - James Webb
WWW
The War Of The Worlds (South Africa) I have been developing the following unrealised project: to create a radio announcement that takes Orson Welles’s infamous 1938 broadcast, “The War Of The Worlds,” as a starting point, re-imagining the concept ...
The War Of The Worlds (South Africa) I have been developing the following unrealised project: to create a radio announcement that takes Orson Welles’s infamous 1938 broadcast, “The War Of The Worlds,” as a starting point, re-imagining the concept ...
W4956
20.08.2012
Carpet Bombing- Iraqi Markets - Eugene Soler
WWW
Since the war in Iraq 2001 and the ousting of the Iraqi goverment in 2002-2003, we have witnessed the vast amount of insurgents who have used 'terror' as their main weapon. By attacking and bombing gathering places and large crowds, terrorists can inflict ...
Since the war in Iraq 2001 and the ousting of the Iraqi goverment in 2002-2003, we have witnessed the vast amount of insurgents who have used 'terror' as their main weapon. By attacking and bombing gathering places and large crowds, terrorists can inflict ...
U9678
01.01.1996
Unbetitelt, Gänse-Projekt + Noch unbetitelt , " Durch den Mund sehen " + Kartoffeln  - Carsten Holler
Unbuilt Roads
Unbetitelt, Gänse-Projekt 1996 Junge Graugänse werden auf einen ferhgesteurten Flugdrachen geprägt, indem sie im Moment des Schlüpfens mit diesem Objekt konfrontiert werden. Der Flugdrachen übernimmt die Rolle der Mutter. Später, wen ...
Unbetitelt, Gänse-Projekt 1996 Junge Graugänse werden auf einen ferhgesteurten Flugdrachen geprägt, indem sie im Moment des Schlüpfens mit diesem Objekt konfrontiert werden. Der Flugdrachen übernimmt die Rolle der Mutter. Später, wen ...
W4631
25.05.2011
Free to Choose - Erik Wenzel
WWW
FOTA (Festival of the Arts) 2010 APPLICATION Title of Project: Free to Choose Name: Erik Wenzel
 Location: The Chicago Theological Seminary Duration: Installed for the length of FOTA, subject to CTS schedule STATEMENT I propose to make a ...
FOTA (Festival of the Arts) 2010 APPLICATION Title of Project: Free to Choose Name: Erik Wenzel
 Location: The Chicago Theological Seminary Duration: Installed for the length of FOTA, subject to CTS schedule STATEMENT I propose to make a ...
W5228
08.10.2012
Julie Ball
WWW
Digital images from an evolving collection of unintentional human mark making Images related as a record of a chance incident in time that has left a physical mark -evidence of the moment. Each mark has its origins as unique, unintentional and undesir ...
Digital images from an evolving collection of unintentional human mark making Images related as a record of a chance incident in time that has left a physical mark -evidence of the moment. Each mark has its origins as unique, unintentional and undesir ...
W3765
18.05.2011
Nonlinear - Thomas Wulffen
WWW
'Nonlinear' was an exhibition project, that incorporates cultural expression without any borders, besides the main topic of 'Nonlinear': art as an epistemology besides the science. see also:http://www.catrack.de/nonlinear/ ...
'Nonlinear' was an exhibition project, that incorporates cultural expression without any borders, besides the main topic of 'Nonlinear': art as an epistemology besides the science. see also:http://www.catrack.de/nonlinear/ ...
W5091
10.09.2012
Hortus d'Epe - Harald Schole
WWW
Hortus d'Epe An innovative artproject related to new infrastructure in Epe. Commission CBK Arnhem and the city Epe 2005, proposal exhibition in CBK Arnhem titled 'the idea generator' Some old mansions nearby have beautiful French gardens. A ne ...
Hortus d'Epe An innovative artproject related to new infrastructure in Epe. Commission CBK Arnhem and the city Epe 2005, proposal exhibition in CBK Arnhem titled 'the idea generator' Some old mansions nearby have beautiful French gardens. A ne ...
W4591
25.05.2011
Unbuilt Art Project - colab studio, llc
WWW
colab studio, llc Reach 11 – Unbuilt Art Project AUP 05.25.11 Reach 11 is a sports complex in North Phoenix comprised of 18 soccer fields and 4 baseball fields. A Call for Artists went out to provide large amounts of shade at four diverse locations with ...
colab studio, llc Reach 11 – Unbuilt Art Project AUP 05.25.11 Reach 11 is a sports complex in North Phoenix comprised of 18 soccer fields and 4 baseball fields. A Call for Artists went out to provide large amounts of shade at four diverse locations with ...
W3614
13.05.2011
Thanasis Chondros & Alexandra Katsiani
WWW
In July 1981, and again in February 1989, we proposed to friends of ours and other artists and to everyone it may concern-through texts in the magazines “Sin kai Plin” and “To Bitoni”, to found a football team. We made this proposal because of ...
In July 1981, and again in February 1989, we proposed to friends of ours and other artists and to everyone it may concern-through texts in the magazines “Sin kai Plin” and “To Bitoni”, to found a football team. We made this proposal because of ...
W3691
16.05.2011
Rolf Hinterecker
WWW
The train will be fixed in a steal frame construction Most of the complex construction is placed under the water surface. Counterbalances in the cube are needed for the balance. Several boom supports floating short above the ground will protect an overset ...
The train will be fixed in a steal frame construction Most of the complex construction is placed under the water surface. Counterbalances in the cube are needed for the balance. Several boom supports floating short above the ground will protect an overset ...
W5459
20.10.2012
Temporary Projection Installations for the Survivors of Atrocities. - Gavin Halm
WWW
Summary: Listings of the names of survivors (and their extended families through the present) are projected upon the walls and surrounding grounds of sites where atrocities have taken, or are currently taking, place. The thousands of names could be projec ...
Summary: Listings of the names of survivors (and their extended families through the present) are projected upon the walls and surrounding grounds of sites where atrocities have taken, or are currently taking, place. The thousands of names could be projec ...
W4187
24.05.2011
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE - Katherine Liberovskaya
WWW
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE by Katherine Liberovskaya: video with Phill Niblock: sound collage 4 projection and quadrophonic sound installation (2006) Project description (short): "Four-Wheel Drive" is a sonic video installation piece consisting of 4 p ...
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE by Katherine Liberovskaya: video with Phill Niblock: sound collage 4 projection and quadrophonic sound installation (2006) Project description (short): "Four-Wheel Drive" is a sonic video installation piece consisting of 4 p ...
W3882
19.05.2011
Wheatfields - Carlo Marcucci
WWW
Large imaginary sculptures made of pasta strands. These non-existent structures are based on the "Wheatfields" body of work. "Wheatfields" are existent wall-mounted sculptures made of spaghetti and various kinds on noodles applied to wood. "The Gate" ...
Large imaginary sculptures made of pasta strands. These non-existent structures are based on the "Wheatfields" body of work. "Wheatfields" are existent wall-mounted sculptures made of spaghetti and various kinds on noodles applied to wood. "The Gate" ...
D10782
09.09.2012
Stadtinstallation - Cezary Bodzianowski
DAAD
Witaj Kasiu Przesyłam Ci opis instalacji miejskiej Inspiracją do powstania tej pracy jest jedena z ostatnich faz ewolucji motyla. Tramwaje zainspirowaly mnie szczególnie,bo forma swą przypominają gąsienice.Chciałbym ,aby przez pewien czas(np:t ...
Witaj Kasiu Przesyłam Ci opis instalacji miejskiej Inspiracją do powstania tej pracy jest jedena z ostatnich faz ewolucji motyla. Tramwaje zainspirowaly mnie szczególnie,bo forma swą przypominają gąsienice.Chciałbym ,aby przez pewien czas(np:t ...
W4175
24.05.2011
BIYING ZHANG
WWW
As a young Chinese artist living in the United States, Zhang feels a strong sense of being a foreign person in this country especially after her marriage to a US citizen. In her artwork, Zhang explores the difference and displacement that she feels. ...
As a young Chinese artist living in the United States, Zhang feels a strong sense of being a foreign person in this country especially after her marriage to a US citizen. In her artwork, Zhang explores the difference and displacement that she feels. ...
W4561
25.05.2011
FONTAINE DU BASSIN D'APOLLON- PALAIS DU VERSAILLES- PARIS. - Eduardo Villanueva
WWW
FONTAINE DU BASSIN D'APOLLON- PALAIS DU VERSAILLES- PARIS. An artwork by Eduardo Villanueva. This artwork or mischief consist in re-create a simulacrum of a terrorist act without causing serious consequences. The main act consist in throwing a bronze c ...
FONTAINE DU BASSIN D'APOLLON- PALAIS DU VERSAILLES- PARIS. An artwork by Eduardo Villanueva. This artwork or mischief consist in re-create a simulacrum of a terrorist act without causing serious consequences. The main act consist in throwing a bronze c ...
W4982
27.08.2012
Brian Castellani
WWW
In addition to its pure genius, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel is remarkable because it represents, in art history, the rare opportunity for an artist to present to the world a rather complete visual cosmology—something even Michelangelo, due to poli ...
In addition to its pure genius, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel is remarkable because it represents, in art history, the rare opportunity for an artist to present to the world a rather complete visual cosmology—something even Michelangelo, due to poli ...
W10398
19.04.2014
Object Non Object - John Kenneth Melvin
WWW
Abstract: The purpose of this document is to explore, establish, and develop the possible application of a large scale temporary installation in the earth’s orbit. Concept: Ideally in order to make that something which questions the materiality ...
Abstract: The purpose of this document is to explore, establish, and develop the possible application of a large scale temporary installation in the earth’s orbit. Concept: Ideally in order to make that something which questions the materiality ...
W4494
25.05.2011
'“Cork 2000: The Symbol of Never-ending Happiness”  - Andro Semeiko
WWW
'“Cork 2000: The Symbol of Never-ending Happiness” 'Cork 2000 was built and launched by Cape Space Centre (CSC) in response to a celebration of the year 2000. President of CSC, Dr B. Karney said in her interview: “Popping the cork is associated w ...
'“Cork 2000: The Symbol of Never-ending Happiness” 'Cork 2000 was built and launched by Cape Space Centre (CSC) in response to a celebration of the year 2000. President of CSC, Dr B. Karney said in her interview: “Popping the cork is associated w ...
W4754
27.05.2011
Billboard - Oona Stern
WWW
Using the technique of banner advertising ubiquitous throughout the city, a scaffolding bridgeway in lower Manhattan would be wallpapered with an image of architectural material. Reclaiming architectural surfaces from the pervasion of advertising, "billbo ...
Using the technique of banner advertising ubiquitous throughout the city, a scaffolding bridgeway in lower Manhattan would be wallpapered with an image of architectural material. Reclaiming architectural surfaces from the pervasion of advertising, "billbo ...
W4662
25.05.2011
The Wardenclyffe Gift  - Craig Leonard
WWW
The Wardenclyffe Gift Craig Leonard In November 2009, the bronze plaque donated by the Yugoslavian Government on July 10, 1976 for the commemoration of the Wardenclyffe communication tower, Nikola Tesla's last remaining laboratory building, was sto ...
The Wardenclyffe Gift Craig Leonard In November 2009, the bronze plaque donated by the Yugoslavian Government on July 10, 1976 for the commemoration of the Wardenclyffe communication tower, Nikola Tesla's last remaining laboratory building, was sto ...
W3687
16.05.2011
Pet Food - Alexandra McGlynn
WWW
In most Western countries there is a taboo concerning the eating of animals regarded as 'pets' for example - horses, donkeys, dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, large insects etcetera that does not exist in Asia or other parts of the world. In C ...
In most Western countries there is a taboo concerning the eating of animals regarded as 'pets' for example - horses, donkeys, dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, large insects etcetera that does not exist in Asia or other parts of the world. In C ...
W5257
12.10.2012
Unseen Connections - Andrei Sidorkin
WWW
This is a project concerning social and institutional critique both. It is the play with the problem of localization of the place where art should happen, but suddenly it appears in another place than it was expected. And also this project reveals conform ...
This is a project concerning social and institutional critique both. It is the play with the problem of localization of the place where art should happen, but suddenly it appears in another place than it was expected. And also this project reveals conform ...
W5220
07.10.2012
Return - Justyna Gruszczyk
WWW
Justyna Gruszczyk RETURN Project consists on scenting former Lutheran church in Toruń with the incense, which is used by Orthodox Church. Interior of the church will remain empty. In a visual way nothing will change. The source of the fragrance will be h ...
Justyna Gruszczyk RETURN Project consists on scenting former Lutheran church in Toruń with the incense, which is used by Orthodox Church. Interior of the church will remain empty. In a visual way nothing will change. The source of the fragrance will be h ...