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

Uncompleted 1966 - and on  - John Armleder

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

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

Progetto per Gerry Schum - Guiseppe Penone

Attitudine Diplomatica - Hermann Pitz

654 THINGS from The United States - Edward Ruscha

Double Exposure 1995-6  - Dan Graham

Festival du film de famille - Pierre Huyghe

Post Photographic apparatus - Steven Pippin

Agency of Unrealised Projects
Logo by Liam Gillick
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Date
Title
Source
Description
Tags
W3807
18.05.2011
The Ethereal Battle - David Normal
WWW
The Ethereal Battle is a cosmological fantasy consisting of twenty paintings that depict the cyclic destruction and creation of the world._The premise of the Ethereal Battle envisions the aftermath of an all-pervading catastrophe in which humanity perishe ...
The Ethereal Battle is a cosmological fantasy consisting of twenty paintings that depict the cyclic destruction and creation of the world._The premise of the Ethereal Battle envisions the aftermath of an all-pervading catastrophe in which humanity perishe ...
W3756
18.05.2011
Mevagissey Old Fishermen - Venessa Lagrand
WWW
Mevagissey Old Fishermen is a panel of 40 hand painted ceramic tiles (each tile 15 x 15 cm) reproduction of an old photograph - with artistic licence - of a scene of a small harbour in Cornwall GB around 1900 - see image attached and on www.artmajeur.com/ ...
Mevagissey Old Fishermen is a panel of 40 hand painted ceramic tiles (each tile 15 x 15 cm) reproduction of an old photograph - with artistic licence - of a scene of a small harbour in Cornwall GB around 1900 - see image attached and on www.artmajeur.com/ ...
W5443
20.10.2012
The beauty of Your Desintegrated Details - Marco Tavolaro
WWW
Project description in one sentence. “The beauty of Your Desintegrated Details” is a mapping projection based installation made with canvas, projectors and animation. WHAT - What is the Project about specifically? The project deals with perceptio ...
Project description in one sentence. “The beauty of Your Desintegrated Details” is a mapping projection based installation made with canvas, projectors and animation. WHAT - What is the Project about specifically? The project deals with perceptio ...
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/ ...
W3761
18.05.2011
Den Estetiske Dimensjon / The Aesthetic Dimension - Isabela Grosseova and Jesper Alvaer
WWW
The Aesthetic Dimension Public art proposal for the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation - Oslo ...
The Aesthetic Dimension Public art proposal for the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation - Oslo ...
W4667
25.05.2011
"The Orchestra" - Alex Robbins
WWW
"The Orchestra" is an idea for an outdoor exhibition structure. Embodying the circular movement of the process of exhibition, "The Orchestra" describes a mentality that may only be overcome by its physical realization. Made from Rainbow Sandstone, a mater ...
"The Orchestra" is an idea for an outdoor exhibition structure. Embodying the circular movement of the process of exhibition, "The Orchestra" describes a mentality that may only be overcome by its physical realization. Made from Rainbow Sandstone, a mater ...
W3486
11.05.2011
There is a major problem in Australia
WWW
TWO IMAGES OF WHAT I CALL THE ENDLESS CHARACTER OF A NATURE FULL OF NATIVES. I DONT THINK THIS WILL OR COULD BE EVER FINISHED BECAUSE TO ME THEY WERE BORN BY THE TIME THEY DIED. SO THEY REMAIN A PHOTOGRAPH THAT NEED A STILL LIFE SHOT. ...
TWO IMAGES OF WHAT I CALL THE ENDLESS CHARACTER OF A NATURE FULL OF NATIVES. I DONT THINK THIS WILL OR COULD BE EVER FINISHED BECAUSE TO ME THEY WERE BORN BY THE TIME THEY DIED. SO THEY REMAIN A PHOTOGRAPH THAT NEED A STILL LIFE SHOT. ...
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- ...
W5424
20.10.2012
THE DIFFICULT INTERPRETATION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC REALITY - Ulrich Bocker
WWW
THE DIFFICULT INTERPRETATION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC REALITY For the innocent photography is the most obvious form of visual communication in the world. The pictured situation seems clear at first sight until we read the title or the legend underneath. An opt ...
THE DIFFICULT INTERPRETATION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC REALITY For the innocent photography is the most obvious form of visual communication in the world. The pictured situation seems clear at first sight until we read the title or the legend underneath. An opt ...
W3797
18.05.2011
Kerry Stuart Coppin
WWW
An unrealized project, submitted to the Agency of Unrealized Projects (AUP), May 18, 20011: PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION OF THE STONE CIRCLES OF SENEGAL AND THE GAMBIA ...
An unrealized project, submitted to the Agency of Unrealized Projects (AUP), May 18, 20011: PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION OF THE STONE CIRCLES OF SENEGAL AND THE GAMBIA ...
W4104
23.05.2011
On Level #02 - Håvard Pedersen
WWW
its center. The contrast of the die, which references gambling, and uncertainty with the absolute nature of a level were to pay tribute to the putty level of Marcel Duchamp. The die would be produced in an edition of 6 pairs, 12 die in total. ...
its center. The contrast of the die, which references gambling, and uncertainty with the absolute nature of a level were to pay tribute to the putty level of Marcel Duchamp. The die would be produced in an edition of 6 pairs, 12 die in total. ...
W3985
21.05.2011
Pisco Ruivo
WWW
Pisco Ruivo is a group of creative researchers founded by Eduardo Leitão & Joana Pinho Neves. We embrace book as the primarily subject of our work. We use it has support for the creation and recreation of covers and we search in its words new narratives. ...
Pisco Ruivo is a group of creative researchers founded by Eduardo Leitão & Joana Pinho Neves. We embrace book as the primarily subject of our work. We use it has support for the creation and recreation of covers and we search in its words new narratives. ...
W4830
07.08.2012
Carbonsphere - Evelyn Rosenberg and Anthony Hyde
WWW
Black balls represent carbon atoms. They are piled in the bottom of the container at their present accumulation in the atmosphere. Each time an equivalent amount of carbon is released in the atmosphere a ball would be dropped. Each time a carbon reductio ...
Black balls represent carbon atoms. They are piled in the bottom of the container at their present accumulation in the atmosphere. Each time an equivalent amount of carbon is released in the atmosphere a ball would be dropped. Each time a carbon reductio ...
W4291
24.05.2011
Madeleine Edberg
WWW
I have realized various installations on different current themes. The consequences of the accidents in nuclear centers from the years -50 to the present day, in Canada, France, United Kingdom, Russia, the USA, Japan... make you think: are they not pla ...
I have realized various installations on different current themes. The consequences of the accidents in nuclear centers from the years -50 to the present day, in Canada, France, United Kingdom, Russia, the USA, Japan... make you think: are they not pla ...
W11006
26.03.2016
Monetarium - Amitesh Grover
WWW
What happens when we stop believing in money altogether? Monetarium is an urgent situation - An auction situation for the money. Let us think of this proposal as an invitation for an assembly - a curated, carefully selected group of people who are invited ...
What happens when we stop believing in money altogether? Monetarium is an urgent situation - An auction situation for the money. Let us think of this proposal as an invitation for an assembly - a curated, carefully selected group of people who are invited ...
W3975
21.05.2011
From Cancer to Cosmos - Peter Briggs
WWW
My project forms a link between the subterranean, a rarely explored urban space, and the five principal stars of a particular constellation, Cancer. In a nutshell the idea is to construct an underground network linking five manhole covers, the positions o ...
My project forms a link between the subterranean, a rarely explored urban space, and the five principal stars of a particular constellation, Cancer. In a nutshell the idea is to construct an underground network linking five manhole covers, the positions o ...
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 ...
W4073
23.05.2011
Project: LA Film - Inez de Coo
WWW
With this project I will to fund the materials to start up a self-sufficient career as an artist, this mainly means acquiring a professional video camera. With this camera I will make a trip, accompanied by an actor I have worked with often, to Los Angele ...
With this project I will to fund the materials to start up a self-sufficient career as an artist, this mainly means acquiring a professional video camera. With this camera I will make a trip, accompanied by an actor I have worked with often, to Los Angele ...
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 ...
W5206
03.10.2012
12 x 12 - Georgia Kotretsos
WWW
Originally submitted to the 12 x 12 Project Space at the MCA in Chicago in 2003/04. The submitted images are showing the model book made for the demonstrative needs of the project. The size of the model book is H 6 x W 4,5 x 1, 5 cm and it pops-up /unfol ...
Originally submitted to the 12 x 12 Project Space at the MCA in Chicago in 2003/04. The submitted images are showing the model book made for the demonstrative needs of the project. The size of the model book is H 6 x W 4,5 x 1, 5 cm and it pops-up /unfol ...
W3779
18.05.2011
Docks - Dina Weiss
WWW
By highlighting these remnants of the past, “Docks’ aims to animate history. The significance and impact of the past commerce in the water ways of the city and highlighting the beauty of the discarded and unused residues. ...
By highlighting these remnants of the past, “Docks’ aims to animate history. The significance and impact of the past commerce in the water ways of the city and highlighting the beauty of the discarded and unused residues. ...
W4106
23.05.2011
"Grandes Toilettes de Ville" - Eddy Falconer
WWW
from Daphne Drillo in the Ecstasy of the Opposite Dimension: A Space Lesbian Adventure “Dr. Roper insisted on the merits of programmability in the context of long distance communication, and especially in guerilla warfare. FIVE HUNDRED YEARS OF MU ...
from Daphne Drillo in the Ecstasy of the Opposite Dimension: A Space Lesbian Adventure “Dr. Roper insisted on the merits of programmability in the context of long distance communication, and especially in guerilla warfare. FIVE HUNDRED YEARS OF MU ...
W3557
12.05.2011
Liberties - Esin Turan
WWW
Abstract Liberties is an experiment in giving and receiving and working together peacefully to create something of universal value and at the same time benefit individually. It is an interactive lear- ning experience, in which each participant learns tha ...
Abstract Liberties is an experiment in giving and receiving and working together peacefully to create something of universal value and at the same time benefit individually. It is an interactive lear- ning experience, in which each participant learns tha ...
W4701
26.05.2011
Transferable skills / Compétances transfèrables - Erin Fortier and Scott Soullière
WWW
Transferable skills | Compétances transfèrables A site-specific installation in Ford City, Windsor-Detroit in the aftermath of the North American automotive industry crash. Both Soullière and Fortier were born and raised in Windsor.... ...
Transferable skills | Compétances transfèrables A site-specific installation in Ford City, Windsor-Detroit in the aftermath of the North American automotive industry crash. Both Soullière and Fortier were born and raised in Windsor.... ...
W4533
25.05.2011
Heim im Licht  - Heim in Licht
WWW
Heim im Licht Project's model 1:250. Photovoltaic system, conic structure of black rubber with thermal insulation and internal controlled conditions of temperature, humidity and air circulation. ∅ 4,5m x 3m. Inside the structure: young oak tree in lea ...
Heim im Licht Project's model 1:250. Photovoltaic system, conic structure of black rubber with thermal insulation and internal controlled conditions of temperature, humidity and air circulation. ∅ 4,5m x 3m. Inside the structure: young oak tree in lea ...
W3980
21.05.2011
Untitled - Sky Fairchild-Waller
WWW
'Untitled' is a photo and text-based work that explores the poetics of a young mother raising a young girl. Meredith admired the speckles of flour that had landed on her apron. The print was floral; violet and pink flower buds, small and slightly fade ...
'Untitled' is a photo and text-based work that explores the poetics of a young mother raising a young girl. Meredith admired the speckles of flour that had landed on her apron. The print was floral; violet and pink flower buds, small and slightly fade ...