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.

Broadway Musicals - Christian Marclay

Untitled, modeled after the Leipzig Völkerschlachtdenkmal...  - Jenny Holzer

CIVITAS Stadtpostkarten - Lothar Baumgarten

Tower Cranes, Paris  - Tadashi Kawamata

Projekt für die Landschaft des Mont-de-Sene (Burgund) im Rahmen eines öffentlichen Auftrags des französischen Kultusministeriums - Markus Raetz

Dog Jaw Monument - A Futurist Tele-introject - Leon Golub

La Guerra De Los Simbolos - Victor Grippo

To Two Too; Hypothetical Monument for a Natural Disaster - Jeffrey Wisniewski

Milan House (AC/DC & Joy Division) - Liam Gillick

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
W10876
12.02.2015
Walking (Autonomous) Sculpture - Genco Gulan
WWW
I am interested in making moving (autonomous) sculptures with real robots. I did worked with some other different kinds of robots and got a prize with them at EMAF in 2005 as part of a larger project . But they were smaller, and theri walking, moving capa ...
I am interested in making moving (autonomous) sculptures with real robots. I did worked with some other different kinds of robots and got a prize with them at EMAF in 2005 as part of a larger project . But they were smaller, and theri walking, moving capa ...
W4621
25.05.2011
Projekt Atlantik - Maria Dundakova
WWW
Projekt Atlantik- Song, Ebbe und Flut Rhytmen Klangrealisation und Wirkung Vorbereitung: Dokumentare Atlantikwellenklang Materialausarbeitung Während 30 Tagen am Morgen vor Sonnenaufgang habe ich Ebbe und Flut Wellengeräusche an der Brasilianischen Küs ...
Projekt Atlantik- Song, Ebbe und Flut Rhytmen Klangrealisation und Wirkung Vorbereitung: Dokumentare Atlantikwellenklang Materialausarbeitung Während 30 Tagen am Morgen vor Sonnenaufgang habe ich Ebbe und Flut Wellengeräusche an der Brasilianischen Küs ...
W4348
24.05.2011
Safe Haven - Farrell Brickhouse
WWW
Farrell Brickhouse Unrealized Projects The year before 9/11 I was unable to paint in my studio and I made a series of images about The World Trade Center on handy wall calendars. I lived on West Broadway one block north of the colossal buildings that ...
Farrell Brickhouse Unrealized Projects The year before 9/11 I was unable to paint in my studio and I made a series of images about The World Trade Center on handy wall calendars. I lived on West Broadway one block north of the colossal buildings that ...
W3700
17.05.2011
Las Spratlys Project - Jevijoe Vitug
WWW
Las Spratlys Project The unrealized project Las Spratlys is based on Spratly Islands, a disputed islands claimed by China, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. The initial concept is to activate these islands by creating a joint venture agreement ...
Las Spratlys Project The unrealized project Las Spratlys is based on Spratly Islands, a disputed islands claimed by China, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. The initial concept is to activate these islands by creating a joint venture agreement ...
W4353
25.05.2011
Circular escalator - Ricardo Gomes
WWW
Circular escalator Through our research of the City of Perth’s master plan, the public success of the revitalization of Forrest Place not only depends upon the current restructuring already under way in the vicinity, but also upon the creation of a n ...
Circular escalator Through our research of the City of Perth’s master plan, the public success of the revitalization of Forrest Place not only depends upon the current restructuring already under way in the vicinity, but also upon the creation of a n ...
W10287
01.01.2007
Anthroepiphytic - Héctor Zamora
WWW
Dimensions: Variable Technique: scaffolding structure Exhibition: Frontera - Esbozo para la creación de una sociedad del futuro Place: Frontera Corozal - Chiapas - México Antroepiphytic consists of the building of a walkable tower around an ...
Dimensions: Variable Technique: scaffolding structure Exhibition: Frontera - Esbozo para la creación de una sociedad del futuro Place: Frontera Corozal - Chiapas - México Antroepiphytic consists of the building of a walkable tower around an ...
W5226
08.10.2012
ANF (Absolutely No Fucking) - ANF - Stephen Spurrier and Alexandra Lawson
WWW
ANF (Absolutely No Fucking) is an evolving story written collaboratively by Alexandra Lawson and Stephen Spurrier, describing a year in the life of Spurrier (in the 60's) which explores the concept of intimacy as a phenomenon. ANF (Absolutely No Fuckin ...
ANF (Absolutely No Fucking) is an evolving story written collaboratively by Alexandra Lawson and Stephen Spurrier, describing a year in the life of Spurrier (in the 60's) which explores the concept of intimacy as a phenomenon. ANF (Absolutely No Fuckin ...
W4114
23.05.2011
“Mother Teresa” - Helidon Gjergji
WWW
TIRANA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT “Mother Teresa” The Tirana International Airport “Mother Teresa” was recently inaugurated, and is quite an impressive piece of contemporary architecture in which locals take great pride. At the same time, what is m ...
TIRANA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT “Mother Teresa” The Tirana International Airport “Mother Teresa” was recently inaugurated, and is quite an impressive piece of contemporary architecture in which locals take great pride. At the same time, what is m ...
W4499
25.05.2011
The frozen Plattenbau in Eisenhüttenstadt - Karl Kilian
WWW
The frozen Plattenbau in Eisenhüttenstadt A short history of Eisenhüttenstadt of ‘first socialist city on German soil’ Eisenhüttenstadt is a town in the Oder-Spree district of Brandenburg, Germany at the border to Poland. While the communist ae ...
The frozen Plattenbau in Eisenhüttenstadt A short history of Eisenhüttenstadt of ‘first socialist city on German soil’ Eisenhüttenstadt is a town in the Oder-Spree district of Brandenburg, Germany at the border to Poland. While the communist ae ...
W3862
19.05.2011
WATER’, A Concept for Exhibition (to include the Site Specific Installation titled ‘Glint’)  - Kate Petley
WWW
Water: -As historical structure for migration, agriculture, and conflict -As political catalyst -Defining geography, location, and place or point of reference -As a poetic source for all kinds of inspiration -Mutable, shape-shifting substance that ca ...
Water: -As historical structure for migration, agriculture, and conflict -As political catalyst -Defining geography, location, and place or point of reference -As a poetic source for all kinds of inspiration -Mutable, shape-shifting substance that ca ...
W4372
25.05.2011
Ren Jie
WWW
In Chinese tradition,touch the land with feet is very important to one's health and life. If you are far away from the natural land,the soil,the water,the grass,you will become uncomfortable and sick. But today,urbanization make more and more peopl ...
In Chinese tradition,touch the land with feet is very important to one's health and life. If you are far away from the natural land,the soil,the water,the grass,you will become uncomfortable and sick. But today,urbanization make more and more peopl ...
W5427
20.10.2012
POINT 59 - hiramandirina
WWW
POINT 59 In July 1999, Irina Danilova with support of Arts Link CEC Partners went from New York to the only intersection of 59th Longitude and 59th latitude on land, in the Siberian woods of Ural mountains (3 other intersections sunk in the ocean ...
POINT 59 In July 1999, Irina Danilova with support of Arts Link CEC Partners went from New York to the only intersection of 59th Longitude and 59th latitude on land, in the Siberian woods of Ural mountains (3 other intersections sunk in the ocean ...
W4790
10.06.2011
Justyn Zolli
WWW
These two designs represent unrealized designs for stained and leaded glass murals.The designs call for the use of colored mouth blown glass, lenses, and flat disks of glass called roundels structured together in a lead and steel matrix. They could potent ...
These two designs represent unrealized designs for stained and leaded glass murals.The designs call for the use of colored mouth blown glass, lenses, and flat disks of glass called roundels structured together in a lead and steel matrix. They could potent ...
W5350
18.10.2012
Mariano Del Rosario
WWW
An art installation with mirrored tunnels connecting three derelict industrial buildings as transitory laboratory space for art experimentation. A permit to contain, wrap, and occupy three toxic and derelict industrial buildings in Brooklyn, New York, ...
An art installation with mirrored tunnels connecting three derelict industrial buildings as transitory laboratory space for art experimentation. A permit to contain, wrap, and occupy three toxic and derelict industrial buildings in Brooklyn, New York, ...
W3573
12.05.2011
MOROSO Prize 2010 Proposal - Gabriele De Santis
WWW
Introduction Before this opportunity, I knew of Moroso, but I was not fortunate enough to fully engage with it in-depth. The first step was obviously to carefully explore the website. Through the images and literature offered I gained a better underst ...
Introduction Before this opportunity, I knew of Moroso, but I was not fortunate enough to fully engage with it in-depth. The first step was obviously to carefully explore the website. Through the images and literature offered I gained a better underst ...
W4756
27.05.2011
“Collectors” Series - Soo Kim
WWW
Unfinished and ongoing project called "Collectors" -all kinds of things and creatures are collected, and create a melody and tune. Initial idea for “Collectors” series started after thinking how we miss unnoticeable things around surroundings, and th ...
Unfinished and ongoing project called "Collectors" -all kinds of things and creatures are collected, and create a melody and tune. Initial idea for “Collectors” series started after thinking how we miss unnoticeable things around surroundings, and th ...
U9277
01.01.1997
PROPOSALl + VOORSTEL - Guillame Bijl
Unbuilt Roads
An abstract sculpture is standing on an ellipse pavement platform, surrounded by city lights, a city seal and a small flower arrangement. Een buitenaards stalen abstract object (±7m) is midden in de stadskem geland. Er zijn balustraden rond gebouwd. ...
An abstract sculpture is standing on an ellipse pavement platform, surrounded by city lights, a city seal and a small flower arrangement. Een buitenaards stalen abstract object (±7m) is midden in de stadskem geland. Er zijn balustraden rond gebouwd. ...
W3881
19.05.2011
Ned James & the Swifts
WWW
Proposal: Part 1. Use the artists fee to place 1000 £1 bets on the races during St Patrick’s Day. Dressed as the embodiment of St Patrick placing the bets one after another will take all day and create a performance of endurance and intrigue. T ...
Proposal: Part 1. Use the artists fee to place 1000 £1 bets on the races during St Patrick’s Day. Dressed as the embodiment of St Patrick placing the bets one after another will take all day and create a performance of endurance and intrigue. T ...
W4454
25.05.2011
Skin and shelter!  - Resa Gartner
WWW
Skin and shelter! The contemporary city provides many of the existential layers necessary to accommodate an extremely fast paced society. Today, diverse environments intersect in the same spaces. Virtual and real existing places gather or loose in imp ...
Skin and shelter! The contemporary city provides many of the existential layers necessary to accommodate an extremely fast paced society. Today, diverse environments intersect in the same spaces. Virtual and real existing places gather or loose in imp ...
W5115
17.09.2012
Eine Ontologie des Paradies - Juan Fernando
WWW
Eine Ontologie des Paradies: die Kunst als Illusion. "Was verstehe ich unter Natur? Unter Natur verstehe ich, das erste innere Prinzip, des Seins eines Dinges. (...) Das ist was wirklich existiert". -„Kritik der reinen Vernunft“. Immanuel Kant ...
Eine Ontologie des Paradies: die Kunst als Illusion. "Was verstehe ich unter Natur? Unter Natur verstehe ich, das erste innere Prinzip, des Seins eines Dinges. (...) Das ist was wirklich existiert". -„Kritik der reinen Vernunft“. Immanuel Kant ...
W4998
30.08.2012
Lesley Scott Reid
WWW
a project to create images - icons - that represent choices open to a person not get HIV. Each image was to be inserted in one arm bandit machine and be photographed - each line of 4 images coming up being a winner. This work is in archive - if it i ...
a project to create images - icons - that represent choices open to a person not get HIV. Each image was to be inserted in one arm bandit machine and be photographed - each line of 4 images coming up being a winner. This work is in archive - if it i ...
W3667
15.05.2011
Breathing (1988) - Joanna Frueh
WWW
This piece is an unpresented performance. Breathing (1988) A Proposal for a Performance by Joanna Frueh and Russell Dudley Written by Joanna Frueh A restaurant table for two, with one chair on either side, sits center stage. A vase holding a large ...
This piece is an unpresented performance. Breathing (1988) A Proposal for a Performance by Joanna Frueh and Russell Dudley Written by Joanna Frueh A restaurant table for two, with one chair on either side, sits center stage. A vase holding a large ...
W4070
23.05.2011
Rebeka Bučinel
WWW
The leading idea is not to create only a new home for culture in Miren, but to create a multi-purpose central square. ...
The leading idea is not to create only a new home for culture in Miren, but to create a multi-purpose central square. ...
W10936
22.06.2015
THORAX - Marion Inglessi
WWW
When we are sick, we are vulnerable. Increasingly assailed by medicine, we maintain a fearful and passive attitude towards our health and therapy, an attitude of hopeful expectation which often has an uncertain outcome. The Sotiria Project, Memory and ...
When we are sick, we are vulnerable. Increasingly assailed by medicine, we maintain a fearful and passive attitude towards our health and therapy, an attitude of hopeful expectation which often has an uncertain outcome. The Sotiria Project, Memory and ...
W4147
23.05.2011
The End of Art Theory - Cornford & Cross
WWW
The End of Art Theory We were invited to submit proposals for the 2002 Liverpool Biennial. We proposed to commission a Group 4 private security vehicle and uniformed crew, as used by HM Courts and Prison Service to transport defendants. During the Bi ...
The End of Art Theory We were invited to submit proposals for the 2002 Liverpool Biennial. We proposed to commission a Group 4 private security vehicle and uniformed crew, as used by HM Courts and Prison Service to transport defendants. During the Bi ...
U9945
01.01.1994
MAK - Wien  - Rosemarie Trockel
Unbuilt Roads
Idee: linke Autospur de [unleserlich] durch dis [?]halle (Saal) verlege[?]. ...
Idee: linke Autospur de [unleserlich] durch dis [?]halle (Saal) verlege[?]. ...