Agency of Unrealised Projects
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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.

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Project 1 + Project 2 - Simryn Gill

PROJEKT - Ulrich Rückreim

Catwalk - Sylive Fleury

Jake and Dinos Chapman's five proposals for an empty plinth situated on central londons trafalgar square - Jake and Dinos Chapman

Arrangement Stroom HCBK Den Haag - Ange Leccia

Monument to Democracy - Kounellis

City Hall Tower Night Ilumination - Krysztof Wodiczko

654 THINGS from The United States - Edward Ruscha

Chen H.V.O + G.T. - Bertrand Lavier

Placid Earth: A Project for the Meeting of Millennia - Cai Guo Quiang

Agency of Unrealised Projects
Logo by Liam Gillick
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Date
Title
Source
Description
Tags
W4859
08.08.2012
Madness. Alice plays hopscotch - Ula Lewicka
WWW
a project for the exhibition, about Alice in the Wonderland and idea of cutting heads, "Madness - Alice plays hopscotch". draft only: Exhibition Title : Madness. Alice plays hopscotch Time- One week. As the Mad Hatter we won't be killing time. Artis ...
a project for the exhibition, about Alice in the Wonderland and idea of cutting heads, "Madness - Alice plays hopscotch". draft only: Exhibition Title : Madness. Alice plays hopscotch Time- One week. As the Mad Hatter we won't be killing time. Artis ...
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W4823
07.08.2012
Outstretched Arms - Todd Williamson
WWW
"Outstretched Arms" is a project that was originally conceived in 2009 for a university show. It features a 4ft diameter hanging painting that slowly rotates with the air currents. It also features a 10 minute commissioned work of music that supports ...
"Outstretched Arms" is a project that was originally conceived in 2009 for a university show. It features a 4ft diameter hanging painting that slowly rotates with the air currents. It also features a 10 minute commissioned work of music that supports ...
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W4066
23.05.2011
Public Phones - János Sugár
WWW
My work is a public telephone located centrally in a city, or in the lobby of a public building. There is a board above the telephone on which is written: "This is a free phone, but the conversations are being recorded and published later word by word." ...
My work is a public telephone located centrally in a city, or in the lobby of a public building. There is a board above the telephone on which is written: "This is a free phone, but the conversations are being recorded and published later word by word." ...
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W5230
08.10.2012
When Attitude becomes Action - Jenny Dunseath
WWW
J. Dunseath 2012 When Attitude becomes Action: unrealised project proposal Referencing a series of articles where Flash Art Internationalinvites writers and curators to discuss landmark exhibitions from the past, I propose to amend historical exhibitions ...
J. Dunseath 2012 When Attitude becomes Action: unrealised project proposal Referencing a series of articles where Flash Art Internationalinvites writers and curators to discuss landmark exhibitions from the past, I propose to amend historical exhibitions ...
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W4378
25.05.2011
Proposal for the Sox/35th Street Station, Dan Ryan Branch Red Line - Kristin Jones / Andrew Ginzel
WWW
Proposal for the Sox/35th Street Station, Dan Ryan Branch Red Line We seek to create a new work that is dynamically integrated into the environment of the Sox/35th Street Station. The proposed work celebrates the spirit and vitality of the station e ...
Proposal for the Sox/35th Street Station, Dan Ryan Branch Red Line We seek to create a new work that is dynamically integrated into the environment of the Sox/35th Street Station. The proposed work celebrates the spirit and vitality of the station e ...
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W4880
09.08.2012
Thistlegarden Project - Rob Voerman
WWW
Thistlegarden-project My plan is to create a garden consisting of only of wild thistles. Sown, but mainly re-planted from the wild in early spring, they will be placed in lines and patterns. The overall form will be a grafic representation of an explosi ...
Thistlegarden-project My plan is to create a garden consisting of only of wild thistles. Sown, but mainly re-planted from the wild in early spring, they will be placed in lines and patterns. The overall form will be a grafic representation of an explosi ...
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U9258
01.01.1966
Uncompleted 1966 - and on  - John Armleder
Unbuilt Roads
I have not kept track of most of my umcompleted projects (and many of the completed ones - ) I believe this is quite alright - Most of what has never been done was either to boring, inconvenient, incorrect, or whatever - no regrets. Some projects made h ...
I have not kept track of most of my umcompleted projects (and many of the completed ones - ) I believe this is quite alright - Most of what has never been done was either to boring, inconvenient, incorrect, or whatever - no regrets. Some projects made h ...
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U9811
01.01.1960
Monument with Rust - Gustav Metzger
Unbuilt Roads
three projects about which I have been thinking for some time. The first construction is to be about 18 feet high with a base about 24 ft. by 18 ft. The principle of this technique was suggested by Mr. E. LI. Evans, who worked in the corrosion of meta ...
three projects about which I have been thinking for some time. The first construction is to be about 18 feet high with a base about 24 ft. by 18 ft. The principle of this technique was suggested by Mr. E. LI. Evans, who worked in the corrosion of meta ...
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W3627
14.05.2011
THEDEATHLYVIEWOFANAUDIOSCOPEBASTARD ONTHECAGEOFBRITNEY - Annabel Lange
WWW
eine Sound-Installation im öffentlichen Raum Konzept: Annabel Lange The course of the installation The Cage of Britney I As a bastard of perception the visitor confronts the installation which is stituated onto some urban waste land. One ha ...
eine Sound-Installation im öffentlichen Raum Konzept: Annabel Lange The course of the installation The Cage of Britney I As a bastard of perception the visitor confronts the installation which is stituated onto some urban waste land. One ha ...
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W4188
24.05.2011
BIOTOPS - petra novakova ondreickova
WWW
I would like to create a largespace installation made by the paper. Title of work : BIOTOPS. Technique wich I would to use for my work created is filigran- perforated paper. Long-term work I interest on the paper. ...
I would like to create a largespace installation made by the paper. Title of work : BIOTOPS. Technique wich I would to use for my work created is filigran- perforated paper. Long-term work I interest on the paper. ...
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W4526
25.05.2011
« game of survival in a cold store »  - Nathalie Talec
WWW
The « game of survival in a cold store » ( 1985 ) UNREALIZED PROJECT ARTIST’S STATEMENT I have always approached art as if it were an adventure story, adapting a screenplay, composing a score, or as the heroic experience of radical disobedience. ...
The « game of survival in a cold store » ( 1985 ) UNREALIZED PROJECT ARTIST’S STATEMENT I have always approached art as if it were an adventure story, adapting a screenplay, composing a score, or as the heroic experience of radical disobedience. ...
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U9903
01.01.1994
Art and Ourselves: A Proposal for the city of Nordhorn - Allen Rupperssberg
Unbuilt Roads
see my catalog from the Magazine. The complete text is there. (eventually reasons why the work has not been realised) Political Previous Publications (?) Catalog from where art Magazine 1996 Exisiting Documents: to be requested from No ...
see my catalog from the Magazine. The complete text is there. (eventually reasons why the work has not been realised) Political Previous Publications (?) Catalog from where art Magazine 1996 Exisiting Documents: to be requested from No ...
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W3637
14.05.2011
lemeh42
WWW
Here are a couple of my two new illustrations. ...
Here are a couple of my two new illustrations. ...
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U9268
24.02.1997
The lmprobable Flow - Larry Bell
Unbuilt Roads
Dear Hans: The most passionate times in the studio is the birth of a new idea. It gets all the juices that make being an artist flow. Sadly many wonderful ideas are not realized because one is in the wrong place at the wrong time. I chose to live a ...
Dear Hans: The most passionate times in the studio is the birth of a new idea. It gets all the juices that make being an artist flow. Sadly many wonderful ideas are not realized because one is in the wrong place at the wrong time. I chose to live a ...
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W5263
13.10.2012
Brick Rushnik - Maria Gonchar
WWW
Rushnik or Rushnyk- Ukrainian embroidered decorative towel. In ancient times, the towel, embroidered with the relevant patterns, symbols, has been an inherent part of many ceremonies. For centuries it has the importance of figurative-symbolic significanc ...
Rushnik or Rushnyk- Ukrainian embroidered decorative towel. In ancient times, the towel, embroidered with the relevant patterns, symbols, has been an inherent part of many ceremonies. For centuries it has the importance of figurative-symbolic significanc ...
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W4865
09.08.2012
Advanced Public Tenement - Heman Chong & Anthony Marcellini
WWW
Advanced Public Tenement (APT) is project examining the future of low-income public housing programs developed by governments with rising population growth, used to house guest workers, displaced residents, or recent immigrants. This project will be guide ...
Advanced Public Tenement (APT) is project examining the future of low-income public housing programs developed by governments with rising population growth, used to house guest workers, displaced residents, or recent immigrants. This project will be guide ...
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W5346
18.10.2012
Lisa Bateman
WWW
An installation of public smell (ocean, brine, tar, old fish) -housed inside an abandoned parking shack at the site of the old Fulton Fish Market, NYC. Smell is emitted from a DMX HVAC scent through the fence and into public space. ...
An installation of public smell (ocean, brine, tar, old fish) -housed inside an abandoned parking shack at the site of the old Fulton Fish Market, NYC. Smell is emitted from a DMX HVAC scent through the fence and into public space. ...
W5072
05.09.2012
Futures, Derivatives & Other Options  - Burak Delier
WWW
Futures, Derivatives & Other Options Burak Delier In my latest works I have been dealing with the conflicting relationships of the tools of conduct employed by contemporary capitalism (techniques, tools, processes) and the fields of art and politics. M ...
Futures, Derivatives & Other Options Burak Delier In my latest works I have been dealing with the conflicting relationships of the tools of conduct employed by contemporary capitalism (techniques, tools, processes) and the fields of art and politics. M ...
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W4202
24.05.2011
The Eisenstein Project - janet hodgson
WWW
BATH SPA STATION - DAY A trolley with high wire-mesh sides stands on the platform, and propped inside is a crate - it’s big enough to contain an adult but doesn’t look like a coffin. A large consignment note is pasted on to it. It’s in Russian: an ...
BATH SPA STATION - DAY A trolley with high wire-mesh sides stands on the platform, and propped inside is a crate - it’s big enough to contain an adult but doesn’t look like a coffin. A large consignment note is pasted on to it. It’s in Russian: an ...
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W4310
24.05.2011
The “Mariah Carey Perpetual God Machine" - Reynard Loki
WWW
The Mariah Carey Perpetual God Machine Based on Fractal Technology An unrealized project by Reynard Loki http://reynardloki.blogspot.com/ The “Mariah Carey Perpetual God Machine Based on Fractal Technology” is an unrealized project consisti ...
The Mariah Carey Perpetual God Machine Based on Fractal Technology An unrealized project by Reynard Loki http://reynardloki.blogspot.com/ The “Mariah Carey Perpetual God Machine Based on Fractal Technology” is an unrealized project consisti ...
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W7067
24.11.2013
Ardfert “Miracle Hill”  - Julie Forrester
WWW
THEMES The theme will be Ardfert “Miracle Hill”. Ideas about miracles will be explored playfully by posing questions: What exactly is a miracle? Do you know any miracles? Are miracles real? Do we need them? Who are the people who inhabit miracles? ...
THEMES The theme will be Ardfert “Miracle Hill”. Ideas about miracles will be explored playfully by posing questions: What exactly is a miracle? Do you know any miracles? Are miracles real? Do we need them? Who are the people who inhabit miracles? ...
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W4042
22.05.2011
PROTEIFORM - Nathalie Chikhi
WWW
Proteiform is an uncompleted work started in May 2010. My first intention was to implant multiples yellow pins in big Styrofoam balls to create a 1:1 human scale installation. At the time, my budget to create this new work was somehow limited. I choose ...
Proteiform is an uncompleted work started in May 2010. My first intention was to implant multiples yellow pins in big Styrofoam balls to create a 1:1 human scale installation. At the time, my budget to create this new work was somehow limited. I choose ...
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W10431
22.04.2014
Digital Lacuna - Nicolas Barrette
WWW
The aim of this project is to offer a new way of perceiving the internet and its influence on the physical environment. WIFI points across the city are mapped in a GIS across the city of Toronto. Where the points of highest density exist, pneumatic dom ...
The aim of this project is to offer a new way of perceiving the internet and its influence on the physical environment. WIFI points across the city are mapped in a GIS across the city of Toronto. Where the points of highest density exist, pneumatic dom ...
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W4541
25.05.2011
Project SUN RITE “BAPTISME”  - Maria Dundakova
WWW
Project SUN RITE “BAPTISME” The central theme of the Biennale Sao Paulo was “The Holistic Global Tendencies of Humankind at the End of the 20th Century”. Based on the personal invitation of the jury of the Biennale, I further developed the pro ...
Project SUN RITE “BAPTISME” The central theme of the Biennale Sao Paulo was “The Holistic Global Tendencies of Humankind at the End of the 20th Century”. Based on the personal invitation of the jury of the Biennale, I further developed the pro ...
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W5445
20.10.2012
I AM BEING SERIOUS, THIS IS SERIOUS. - Sarah Witt
WWW
Supplemental thoughts about this piece, and why it has remained an unrealized project A few months ago, I had a studio visit with a faculty member of the residency I was attending at the Banff Centre in Canada. He gave me some very poignant advice (I e ...
Supplemental thoughts about this piece, and why it has remained an unrealized project A few months ago, I had a studio visit with a faculty member of the residency I was attending at the Banff Centre in Canada. He gave me some very poignant advice (I e ...
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W3566
12.05.2011
Lisa Gorton
WWW
Two images taken in a pristine gallery space. Meant to act as a catalyst for an investigation into space, place and the role of the body within this. Tried to do a performance but became much more about being ‘alive’ rather than ‘live’. ...
Two images taken in a pristine gallery space. Meant to act as a catalyst for an investigation into space, place and the role of the body within this. Tried to do a performance but became much more about being ‘alive’ rather than ‘live’. ...
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