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.

Invitation Space No.1 - Tania Mouraud

Brücke Wein-Kanal Arch. Hermann Czech, Wein - Franz West

<A Public Misery Message> - Critical Art Ensemble

"Free Space" - Michelangelo Pistoletto

Festival du film de famille - Pierre Huyghe

La Guerra De Los Simbolos - Victor Grippo

My House - Uri Tzaig

Arrangement Stroom HCBK Den Haag - Ange Leccia

Financial Times Millennium Bridge Competition - Richard Serra and Frank Gehry

Progetto per Gerry Schum - Guiseppe Penone

Agency of Unrealised Projects
Logo by Liam Gillick
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Date
Title
Source
Description
Tags
W4545
25.05.2011
Missing/Vermisst/Scomparso  - Matteo Peterlini
WWW
Missing/Vermisst/Scomparso Abstract This work is intended as an analysis and a representation of the psychosocial aspects raised by the phenomenon of missing people in contemporary cities. The question guiding my project entails the nature of the miss ...
Missing/Vermisst/Scomparso Abstract This work is intended as an analysis and a representation of the psychosocial aspects raised by the phenomenon of missing people in contemporary cities. The question guiding my project entails the nature of the miss ...
W3513
11.05.2011
“Bus Stop” by Mira Hnatyshyn - Mira Hnatyshyn
WWW
“Bus Stop” is a moveable painting based on an image of local commuters waiting for their bus ride. “Bus Stop” explores the cultural significance that public transportation plays in society. As a physical object, t ...
“Bus Stop” is a moveable painting based on an image of local commuters waiting for their bus ride. “Bus Stop” explores the cultural significance that public transportation plays in society. As a physical object, t ...
U9936
23.01.1997
Messages to the Public - Nancy Spero
Unbuilt Roads
Dear Hans-Ulrich, Thank you for inviting me to participate in "Unbuilt Worlds - unrealized artist-projects". Sounds terrific. In 1986 I was invited to participate in a program called "Messages to the Public". The invited artists would be given a 30- ...
Dear Hans-Ulrich, Thank you for inviting me to participate in "Unbuilt Worlds - unrealized artist-projects". Sounds terrific. In 1986 I was invited to participate in a program called "Messages to the Public". The invited artists would be given a 30- ...
W5130
19.09.2012
IDENSITAT Documentation Project - Leo Morrissey
WWW
IDENSITAT Documentation Project WRITTEN DOC. Project to take place in Kyoto Japan. Place postcards throughout the city, the postcards will be pre stamped, the viewer (finder) will be welcome to take a card and send it to someone... ...
IDENSITAT Documentation Project WRITTEN DOC. Project to take place in Kyoto Japan. Place postcards throughout the city, the postcards will be pre stamped, the viewer (finder) will be welcome to take a card and send it to someone... ...
W5426
20.10.2012
Hand Gardens - Vision Kaushik
WWW
Hand Gardens Vision Kaushik Unrealized Berlin Proposal October 18 2012 My idea is simple and can be visualized easily. Hanging gardens based around giant wooden hands, lush and overgrown. An oasis in the city, where one can pocket themselves off an ...
Hand Gardens Vision Kaushik Unrealized Berlin Proposal October 18 2012 My idea is simple and can be visualized easily. Hanging gardens based around giant wooden hands, lush and overgrown. An oasis in the city, where one can pocket themselves off an ...
W3875
19.05.2011
TERRITORY: Bank parking lot mural Canada - Derek Michael Besant
WWW
Client: Bank of Nova Scotia / Canada Date: 2010 Industrial UV ink imaging applications to large-scale alucobond curtainwall sheets at second storey level attached in sections that create a narrative of: • Out-of-focus faces • Everyday objects ...
Client: Bank of Nova Scotia / Canada Date: 2010 Industrial UV ink imaging applications to large-scale alucobond curtainwall sheets at second storey level attached in sections that create a narrative of: • Out-of-focus faces • Everyday objects ...
W5069
05.09.2012
National Bank - Assaf Gruber
WWW
National Bank: In April 2009, I contacted the Sport Center of the National Bank of Belgium to submit to them a proposition for an exhibition: We planned to exhibit Getting Even, a piece made with slices of bowling balls that are scattered around and be ...
National Bank: In April 2009, I contacted the Sport Center of the National Bank of Belgium to submit to them a proposition for an exhibition: We planned to exhibit Getting Even, a piece made with slices of bowling balls that are scattered around and be ...
W4692
26.05.2011
Arachne - Miranda Leigh
WWW
"Arachne" 2001-present 50 x 11 x 60 inches Bull penis, Ingas wood, fulgurite, titanium, aluminum, brass, enamels, and artist's hair "Arachne" is an allegorical portrait of the intense struggle between pride and humility, courage and fear, that nearl ...
"Arachne" 2001-present 50 x 11 x 60 inches Bull penis, Ingas wood, fulgurite, titanium, aluminum, brass, enamels, and artist's hair "Arachne" is an allegorical portrait of the intense struggle between pride and humility, courage and fear, that nearl ...
W4249
24.05.2011
Experiment 11 (Scheme for ensuring posterity) - Aylwin Greenwood-Lambert
WWW
Introduction to Experiment 11 (Scheme for ensuring posterity) Experiment 11 was a project based around the idea of attempting to ensure my posterity via the production of time capsules containing evidence that would give those discovering them the impr ...
Introduction to Experiment 11 (Scheme for ensuring posterity) Experiment 11 was a project based around the idea of attempting to ensure my posterity via the production of time capsules containing evidence that would give those discovering them the impr ...
W3650
15.05.2011
Justyn Zolli
WWW
These are two unrealized designs are for large stained glass windows. The designs is variable in scale, and the windows would make use of specialized glass such as lenses, roundel disks, and mouth-blown antique glass. This photo is derived from a maquette ...
These are two unrealized designs are for large stained glass windows. The designs is variable in scale, and the windows would make use of specialized glass such as lenses, roundel disks, and mouth-blown antique glass. This photo is derived from a maquette ...
W4295
24.05.2011
Tides, Wind and Sails - Holger C. Lönze
WWW
Tides, Wind and Sails Context The island of Rathlin and its mainland port of Ballycastle on the north-eastern coast of Co. Antrim are linked by one of the most challenging tidal waters of Northern Europe: the Street of Moyle. These difficult sea con ...
Tides, Wind and Sails Context The island of Rathlin and its mainland port of Ballycastle on the north-eastern coast of Co. Antrim are linked by one of the most challenging tidal waters of Northern Europe: the Street of Moyle. These difficult sea con ...
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 ...
W4404
25.05.2011
The Interopticon  - Guleah - Guy Ben-Ari and Leah Wolff
WWW
The Interopticon The Interopticon is a proposal for an alternative processes of observation and learning in the shape of a conceptual discursive platform. It regards the subject as an object of research that is simultaneously absorbing knowledge and bei ...
The Interopticon The Interopticon is a proposal for an alternative processes of observation and learning in the shape of a conceptual discursive platform. It regards the subject as an object of research that is simultaneously absorbing knowledge and bei ...
W3709
17.05.2011
Temple Grandin - Teodoro Lupo
WWW
During a well and prominently attended vernissage, such as the Art Basel or Frieze opening, nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing gas) will be poured into the air. Doors will be closed from outside. I (but I'm sure I will easily find some colleagues ...
During a well and prominently attended vernissage, such as the Art Basel or Frieze opening, nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing gas) will be poured into the air. Doors will be closed from outside. I (but I'm sure I will easily find some colleagues ...
W4960
20.08.2012
Exit - Darko Aleksovski
WWW
Darko Aleksovski Name of the project: EXIT participatory and research art project EXIT is a series of interventions in open, public space that can be anywhere except the space of organized walking (main streets, boulevards, city squares etc). The ...
Darko Aleksovski Name of the project: EXIT participatory and research art project EXIT is a series of interventions in open, public space that can be anywhere except the space of organized walking (main streets, boulevards, city squares etc). The ...
W10320
17.04.2014
TAU - Jugoslav Mitevski, Frances Scholz, Sarah Steiner
WWW
Request: A building conglomerate approached us* with the request to bring to life again a vacancy in a critically endangered street. Proposal: Inspired by Buckminster Fuller‘s ideas of provoking “change of directions” by creating a vacuum we pr ...
Request: A building conglomerate approached us* with the request to bring to life again a vacancy in a critically endangered street. Proposal: Inspired by Buckminster Fuller‘s ideas of provoking “change of directions” by creating a vacuum we pr ...
W4936
19.08.2012
Niddah: 14 days - Gabriella Boros
WWW
As I turned 50, my self-image as a female began to change with the changes in my body. As I was approaching menopause, it interested me to understand why there was such a negative approach to female purity in my religion. I began to explore the Judaic pra ...
As I turned 50, my self-image as a female began to change with the changes in my body. As I was approaching menopause, it interested me to understand why there was such a negative approach to female purity in my religion. I began to explore the Judaic pra ...
W5371
19.10.2012
GPS- and audio-guided walking tour on the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah/Nevada, USA - Sonja Hinrichsen
WWW
Project Description: This environmental arts project engages communities to participate in a 2 ½ mile GPS- and audio-guided loop-walk on the Bonneville Salt Flats near Wendover, UT. The walking tour follows 20-25 large “interest markers” sprayed on ...
Project Description: This environmental arts project engages communities to participate in a 2 ½ mile GPS- and audio-guided loop-walk on the Bonneville Salt Flats near Wendover, UT. The walking tour follows 20-25 large “interest markers” sprayed on ...
W10685
01.01.1998
THE CLOUD ROOM - ADAM KALINOWSKI
WWW
Project for kinetic outdoor sculpture. Total dimensions: 1800x3500x3000cm. Dimensions of the orange structure: 500 x 720 x 540 cm. Model in 1:8 scale. Steel, aluminum, heavy fabric, aircraft cable, and propellers with reduction gears. Propellers are ...
Project for kinetic outdoor sculpture. Total dimensions: 1800x3500x3000cm. Dimensions of the orange structure: 500 x 720 x 540 cm. Model in 1:8 scale. Steel, aluminum, heavy fabric, aircraft cable, and propellers with reduction gears. Propellers are ...
W3689
16.05.2011
Mike Mosher
WWW
Painting community murals in early 1980s San Francisco, California [see "Artist!" on Bad Subjects website], I made many sketches and proposals, like the "Children's Checkerboard". After 1984, I began to link imagery in paintings with symbols & schematics ...
Painting community murals in early 1980s San Francisco, California [see "Artist!" on Bad Subjects website], I made many sketches and proposals, like the "Children's Checkerboard". After 1984, I began to link imagery in paintings with symbols & schematics ...
W4123
23.05.2011
MEMORY UPGRADE FOR ATTU ISLAND  - Deborah A Bouchette
WWW
MEMORY UPGRADE FOR ATTU ISLAND 1 MEMORY UPGRADE FOR ATTU ISLAND Deborah A. Bouchette 05 May 2009 MEMORY UPGRADE FOR ATTU ISLAND 2 What do we have, but memory? Even the “present” is consumed immediately, and our very recognition of “now” makes ...
MEMORY UPGRADE FOR ATTU ISLAND 1 MEMORY UPGRADE FOR ATTU ISLAND Deborah A. Bouchette 05 May 2009 MEMORY UPGRADE FOR ATTU ISLAND 2 What do we have, but memory? Even the “present” is consumed immediately, and our very recognition of “now” makes ...
W5357
19.10.2012
The Ministry of Dehydration M.O.D. - Tom Hackett
WWW
The M.O.D was developed in response to the historical function of the Pump House Gallery , the adjacent Thames and the wider social, economic and political aspects which relate to major water courses. ...
The M.O.D was developed in response to the historical function of the Pump House Gallery , the adjacent Thames and the wider social, economic and political aspects which relate to major water courses. ...
W4483
25.05.2011
Transformation #2 - Samuel Levack and Jennifer Lewandowski
WWW
Transformation #2 2003 Mixed media installation Dimension variable A sculptural installation created as a partial remake of the film 'The Big Blue' (1988). Made up of an assemblage of collected, found and fabricated objects, including hundreds of sh ...
Transformation #2 2003 Mixed media installation Dimension variable A sculptural installation created as a partial remake of the film 'The Big Blue' (1988). Made up of an assemblage of collected, found and fabricated objects, including hundreds of sh ...
W4710
26.05.2011
Instructions to finding a future - Batya F. Kuncman
WWW
Instructions to finding a future Previously known as “Contemporary stream of consciousness: Stored data of identity as a work in progress” this project is an ongoing investigation into my individual identity as it relates to collective identity. Cul ...
Instructions to finding a future Previously known as “Contemporary stream of consciousness: Stored data of identity as a work in progress” this project is an ongoing investigation into my individual identity as it relates to collective identity. Cul ...
W4843
08.08.2012
Trein Time Zeit Zug - Manuel Saiz
WWW
Trein Time Zeit Zug a project by Manuel Saiz Train Time Zeit Zug is an art installation involving a circular high speed train in Central Europe, with stretches in Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Belgium and The Netherlands. The train runs along a 2, ...
Trein Time Zeit Zug a project by Manuel Saiz Train Time Zeit Zug is an art installation involving a circular high speed train in Central Europe, with stretches in Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Belgium and The Netherlands. The train runs along a 2, ...
W4127
23.05.2011
Proposed Future - Ann Marie Webb
WWW
Architecture is the most visible sign of a society's faith and trust in the future. The ability to move forward and construct a future is greatly effected by how our views are framed. This work explores the built landscape and its affects ...
Architecture is the most visible sign of a society's faith and trust in the future. The ability to move forward and construct a future is greatly effected by how our views are framed. This work explores the built landscape and its affects ...