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.

The pyramids...to be seen to be believed - Jonathan Monk

Project pour le parc de sculpture de Vassiviére - Paul-Armand Gette

Double Exposure 1995-6  - Dan Graham

"Ileana, I love you" - Maurizo Cattelan

The insurer - Fabrice Hybert

City Hall Tower Night Ilumination - Krysztof Wodiczko

Making for Art - 100 Unsucceeded Presentation - 1995, 1996,  - Yutaka Sone

Passage - Richard Wentworth

Financial Times Millennium Bridge Competition - Richard Serra and Frank Gehry

KEEPING IN TOUCH - Allan Kaprow

Agency of Unrealised Projects
Logo by Liam Gillick
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Date
Title
Source
Description
Tags
W4090
23.05.2011
Wrong Satelite Information News  - Stefano W. Pasquini
WWW
This is a series of a project titled "UNREALIZEABLE PROJECTS 1994-2015" that I started in 1994 out of the frustration of not being able to realize some of the installation I wanted to make, out of lack of funds. At the time fundraising in art was not some ...
This is a series of a project titled "UNREALIZEABLE PROJECTS 1994-2015" that I started in 1994 out of the frustration of not being able to realize some of the installation I wanted to make, out of lack of funds. At the time fundraising in art was not some ...
W4508
25.05.2011
American Flag Kits - Paula Stuttman
WWW
American Flag Kits During the summer of 1998 I completed 20 American Flag Kits. What fascinates me about flags (and this goes for any country’s flag) is the object itself is nothing but colored cloth arranged into a snappy design. It is human investm ...
American Flag Kits During the summer of 1998 I completed 20 American Flag Kits. What fascinates me about flags (and this goes for any country’s flag) is the object itself is nothing but colored cloth arranged into a snappy design. It is human investm ...
W5118
18.09.2012
Sheida Lavasani
WWW
Often while traveling with a camera I arrive just as the sun slips over the horizon of a moment, too late to expose film, only time enough to expose my hearts. I love people photography. I believe, There are always two people in every picture: the photog ...
Often while traveling with a camera I arrive just as the sun slips over the horizon of a moment, too late to expose film, only time enough to expose my hearts. I love people photography. I believe, There are always two people in every picture: the photog ...
W3652
15.05.2011
Dederon – The Fabric of the East - Daniel Blochwitz
WWW
One of the most complex and yet unrealized projects of mine is “Dederon – The Fabric of the East” (2003-present), which literally uses the (polyester) thread named after the DDR (engl.: G.D.R.) to trace the initially noble and ambitious project of e ...
One of the most complex and yet unrealized projects of mine is “Dederon – The Fabric of the East” (2003-present), which literally uses the (polyester) thread named after the DDR (engl.: G.D.R.) to trace the initially noble and ambitious project of e ...
W3804
18.05.2011
Joanne Tatham & Tom O'Sullivan
WWW
"An experience being an experience like an experience you just had" was an unsuccessful proposal for the 2012 Cultural Olympiad. ...
"An experience being an experience like an experience you just had" was an unsuccessful proposal for the 2012 Cultural Olympiad. ...
W3934
20.05.2011
No Vacancy 2008 - ANNA LASCARI
WWW
“No Vacancy” is a multi-layer installation. It has obvious references to Led Zeppelin’s song “Stairway to Heaven,” to crystal utopias of fairy tales and to the stairways of Louise Bourgeois, which lead to dark attics. ...
“No Vacancy” is a multi-layer installation. It has obvious references to Led Zeppelin’s song “Stairway to Heaven,” to crystal utopias of fairy tales and to the stairways of Louise Bourgeois, which lead to dark attics. ...
W3705
17.05.2011
PA(E/S)SAGGIO - beatrice crastini
WWW
Project to next Documenta-Kassel, at the moment nobody have contact me. It's on the utopia of the cohabitation by Franco Rotelli, historic successor by Franco Basaglia father of the psychiatric revolution Beauty is a need, the ugliness makes it ugly. ...
Project to next Documenta-Kassel, at the moment nobody have contact me. It's on the utopia of the cohabitation by Franco Rotelli, historic successor by Franco Basaglia father of the psychiatric revolution Beauty is a need, the ugliness makes it ugly. ...
W4428
25.05.2011
The architectural charter - Philippe Rahm
WWW
The architectural charter Project for Vassivière, France From 2003 All the territory of Vassivière, France ...
The architectural charter Project for Vassivière, France From 2003 All the territory of Vassivière, France ...
W3506
11.05.2011
Evidence of Difference - Sarah Hemm
WWW
Evidence of Difference criteria: must take one photograph every day of 2011 that will represent evidence of my difference
work must answer the question, “what makes me different? what am I doing today that is different than everyone else? what se ...
Evidence of Difference criteria: must take one photograph every day of 2011 that will represent evidence of my difference
work must answer the question, “what makes me different? what am I doing today that is different than everyone else? what se ...
W5207
04.10.2012
Image Intermission - Andreas M. Kaufmann
WWW
Dear all, here comes another submission for possible inclusion in AUP at the daadgalerie in Berlin: Project "Bilderpause" / "Image Intermission" 1996/2000 The Project and the photographs are attached to that form. Enjoy! Bilderpause Ein Pause ...
Dear all, here comes another submission for possible inclusion in AUP at the daadgalerie in Berlin: Project "Bilderpause" / "Image Intermission" 1996/2000 The Project and the photographs are attached to that form. Enjoy! Bilderpause Ein Pause ...
W3758
18.05.2011
Young Attractive Cool People - Evan Tyler
WWW
May 18/2011 In a humorous attempt to confront the urban uniform, I aim to ease the mysticism that surrounds “cool”, as well as alter the disposition of those who critique hip culture. I propose to organize an adventure through the streets of Canada ...
May 18/2011 In a humorous attempt to confront the urban uniform, I aim to ease the mysticism that surrounds “cool”, as well as alter the disposition of those who critique hip culture. I propose to organize an adventure through the streets of Canada ...
W3608
13.05.2011
Jenny E. Balisle
WWW
My art begins with a mark or line inspired by patterns found in natural or manmade environments. My pen and ink drawings explore repetitions of line and organic forms, investigating the simplicity and complexity of gestures, marks, lines, and textures. ...
My art begins with a mark or line inspired by patterns found in natural or manmade environments. My pen and ink drawings explore repetitions of line and organic forms, investigating the simplicity and complexity of gestures, marks, lines, and textures. ...
W4247
24.05.2011
Writing on the wall - Eric Fong
WWW
This project is inspired by the political, economic and cultural changes in China and Germany in 1989 and after. While East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia and Romania moved towards democracy in 1989, China killed pro-democracy protesters in Tiananmen Squ ...
This project is inspired by the political, economic and cultural changes in China and Germany in 1989 and after. While East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia and Romania moved towards democracy in 1989, China killed pro-democracy protesters in Tiananmen Squ ...
W5409
20.10.2012
Sharon Bareket
WWW
A series of photographic works made during 2012 by photographer Sharon Bareket, dealing with the invasion of a military dimension into the civilian, private dimension. The images evoke themes that are local and universal at the same time, and depict a ...
A series of photographic works made during 2012 by photographer Sharon Bareket, dealing with the invasion of a military dimension into the civilian, private dimension. The images evoke themes that are local and universal at the same time, and depict a ...
W4726
26.05.2011
The Centralizer - Scott Richardson
WWW
The Centralizer The inspiration for this device came about to address the plight of the city-dweller trapped in a densely populated urban environment, who needed to decompress, ground themselves, and/or get in touch with nature and natural rhythms, a ...
The Centralizer The inspiration for this device came about to address the plight of the city-dweller trapped in a densely populated urban environment, who needed to decompress, ground themselves, and/or get in touch with nature and natural rhythms, a ...
W3478
11.05.2011
Tur Dearg (Red Tower) - Joaquin Gasgonia Palencia
WWW
Like many boys, I grew up on kings and queens, knights and castles. There is always a horse to ride, a dragon to slay, a princess to save from the evil baron, and yes, there is always the magic of the druids and the sorcerers. Despite everything that Ir ...
Like many boys, I grew up on kings and queens, knights and castles. There is always a horse to ride, a dragon to slay, a princess to save from the evil baron, and yes, there is always the magic of the druids and the sorcerers. Despite everything that Ir ...
W4057
23.05.2011
Escape Vine - Mark Shoffner and Rebecca Herman
WWW
“Escape Vine” was a proposal for an evolving sculptural work of live vines. The vines would grow up ladder-shaped wire trellises on either side of massive, 30-foot-high prison walls. ...
“Escape Vine” was a proposal for an evolving sculptural work of live vines. The vines would grow up ladder-shaped wire trellises on either side of massive, 30-foot-high prison walls. ...
W4034
22.05.2011
Juarez's Feet - Renato Garza Cervera
WWW
"Juarez's Feet" is a work in process which pretends to build someday in India a monument that will work as the extension of the monument dedicated to Benito Juarez in Mexico's capital city. Mexico and India are antipodal territories in the northern hem ...
"Juarez's Feet" is a work in process which pretends to build someday in India a monument that will work as the extension of the monument dedicated to Benito Juarez in Mexico's capital city. Mexico and India are antipodal territories in the northern hem ...
W3907
20.05.2011
Alan Yates
WWW
As Contemporary art exhibitions develop towards a multiplicity of practises and genres, many are being used for urban regeneration and environmental projects. In this new landscape I wish to lead on initiatives to re-shape the urban landscape to incorpora ...
As Contemporary art exhibitions develop towards a multiplicity of practises and genres, many are being used for urban regeneration and environmental projects. In this new landscape I wish to lead on initiatives to re-shape the urban landscape to incorpora ...
W4256
24.05.2011
APOTHEOSIS - Kristin Jones / Andrew Ginzel
WWW
KRISTIN JONES / ANDREW GINZEL APOTHEOSIS, 1994 Proposal for Pier 32, Hudson River, New York City ,Urban Paradise: Gardens in the City, Public Art Fund, Paine Webber Gallery, New York, NY (catalogue) Project Description: We are ch ...
KRISTIN JONES / ANDREW GINZEL APOTHEOSIS, 1994 Proposal for Pier 32, Hudson River, New York City ,Urban Paradise: Gardens in the City, Public Art Fund, Paine Webber Gallery, New York, NY (catalogue) Project Description: We are ch ...
W4575
25.05.2011
Unrealized Project #9: - Shiva Lynn Burgos and Javier Barrera (Ned and Shiva Productions)
WWW
Unrealized Project #9: “Illegal Crossings: An attempt to secretly enter the United States via the Mexico/Texas Border” January, 2008 -A performance documented with photography, film and soundscape Project Aims To make arrangements with Coy ...
Unrealized Project #9: “Illegal Crossings: An attempt to secretly enter the United States via the Mexico/Texas Border” January, 2008 -A performance documented with photography, film and soundscape Project Aims To make arrangements with Coy ...
W3967
21.05.2011
3DPrintMe.com - Sarah Jane Pell
WWW
3DPrintMe.com a biomedical animation and installation of futuristic invivo designer organs. See: http://www.sarahjanepell.com/human.html Biomedical animation plays on a continuous loop projection The audience design or modify CAD Organs www.3DP ...
3DPrintMe.com a biomedical animation and installation of futuristic invivo designer organs. See: http://www.sarahjanepell.com/human.html Biomedical animation plays on a continuous loop projection The audience design or modify CAD Organs www.3DP ...
U9487
01.01.1997
Placid Earth: A Project for the Meeting of Millennia - Cai Guo Quiang
Unbuilt Roads
Observed from space, the Earth at night is ablaze with lights. During the last second of this century and the first second of the next century--the two seconds when the millennia meet-all inhabitants of the Earth should turn off their lights, letting t ...
Observed from space, the Earth at night is ablaze with lights. During the last second of this century and the first second of the next century--the two seconds when the millennia meet-all inhabitants of the Earth should turn off their lights, letting t ...
W4022
22.05.2011
Holly Crawford
WWW
Performance/Installation, proposed 1997, identity and feminism using popular cultural image of Minnie and Mickey Mouse. Cancelled last minute due to funds). Minnie Mouse and Why is she depressed? Proposal for performance/installation Disney ...
Performance/Installation, proposed 1997, identity and feminism using popular cultural image of Minnie and Mickey Mouse. Cancelled last minute due to funds). Minnie Mouse and Why is she depressed? Proposal for performance/installation Disney ...
W5153
24.09.2012
Internal Painting Valuable gift - James Eisen
WWW
Among my recent Project Internal Painting Valuable gift, I examined forms of knowledge and Power, the transference of idea to object from one work to another. These works sit within a wider strategy of enacting associative thought into form. More directly ...
Among my recent Project Internal Painting Valuable gift, I examined forms of knowledge and Power, the transference of idea to object from one work to another. These works sit within a wider strategy of enacting associative thought into form. More directly ...
U9673
01.05.1981
WATERWORKS - Mona Hatoum
Unbuilt Roads
Extracts from an unpublished interview with Michael Archer for Phaidon press: ...Around the same period I made a proposal for the New Contemporaries exhibition which was going to be held at the ICA. In those days the toilets were on either side of the ...
Extracts from an unpublished interview with Michael Archer for Phaidon press: ...Around the same period I made a proposal for the New Contemporaries exhibition which was going to be held at the ICA. In those days the toilets were on either side of the ...