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.

Festival du film de famille - Pierre Huyghe

The Rosetta Garden - Gary Simmons

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

Unrealized project for Tate Gallery + ICA, 1969 - Gilbert and George

Project 1 + Project 2 - Simryn Gill

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

My House - Uri Tzaig

MAK - Wien  - Rosemarie Trockel

den anonymen Tod ausstellen - Gregor Schneider

654 THINGS from The United States - Edward Ruscha

Agency of Unrealised Projects
Logo by Liam Gillick
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Date
Title
Source
Description
Tags
W10296
01.01.2010
Industrial Park - Héctor Zamora
WWW
Industrial Park was proposed for 'Touched' the 6th Liverpool Biennial, 2010 Proposed to take place in the Liverpool docks area where new developments are replacing the old port and industry buildings, it is a large scale permanent intervention based on ...
Industrial Park was proposed for 'Touched' the 6th Liverpool Biennial, 2010 Proposed to take place in the Liverpool docks area where new developments are replacing the old port and industry buildings, it is a large scale permanent intervention based on ...
U9752
01.01.1997
The bridge according to Jeong-a's dream - Koo Jeong
Unbuilt Roads
round bridge in the middle of the sea to be approached by boat ...
round bridge in the middle of the sea to be approached by boat ...
W4891
10.08.2012
Rachael Agnew
WWW
This project questions the structure of the foundations of scientific reality based on the atomic model and contrasts this with the philosophy of phenomenology. The paradox of these two contrasting foundations creates an opening for exploration while also ...
This project questions the structure of the foundations of scientific reality based on the atomic model and contrasts this with the philosophy of phenomenology. The paradox of these two contrasting foundations creates an opening for exploration while also ...
W3720
17.05.2011
M6 EXAM: Exhibition/Residency as A School - Sylvain Breton
WWW
Event Description - M6 EXAM: Exhibition/Residency as A School Examen M6 propose un retour à l'école d'art. Par son concept de résidence/exposition d'un mois, les artistes sont invités à une table ronde avec l'Estonie sur le thème d'une esth ...
Event Description - M6 EXAM: Exhibition/Residency as A School Examen M6 propose un retour à l'école d'art. Par son concept de résidence/exposition d'un mois, les artistes sont invités à une table ronde avec l'Estonie sur le thème d'une esth ...
W4068
23.05.2011
Alishia Duncanson
WWW
Title: “Mission Impossible 1” Materials: Wood and M.D.F board Corridor space containing 5- 20 drawings in space, creating semi obstructed spaces to be engaged with by the viewer. The work asks the viewer to investigate both space and time as each ...
Title: “Mission Impossible 1” Materials: Wood and M.D.F board Corridor space containing 5- 20 drawings in space, creating semi obstructed spaces to be engaged with by the viewer. The work asks the viewer to investigate both space and time as each ...
W5338
18.10.2012
Hanínga Thiel
WWW
3 proposals for the Istanbul Biennale: Proposal 1: LOST DIRECTION Some theory first: Do you know the rules and do you know the guidelines? The world has become chaotic. Confusing, mostly because opposing trends such as globalization (the increas ...
3 proposals for the Istanbul Biennale: Proposal 1: LOST DIRECTION Some theory first: Do you know the rules and do you know the guidelines? The world has become chaotic. Confusing, mostly because opposing trends such as globalization (the increas ...
W4231
24.05.2011
"Sand Uproar, Sand Glass” - Orit Ishay
WWW
"Sand Uproar, Sand Glass” Orit Ishay Tel-Aviv city, also called "the white city", has recently celebrated a 100 years to its establishment. According to conventional public narrative, this is a city that was raised on pure sands, unlike other place ...
"Sand Uproar, Sand Glass” Orit Ishay Tel-Aviv city, also called "the white city", has recently celebrated a 100 years to its establishment. According to conventional public narrative, this is a city that was raised on pure sands, unlike other place ...
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. ...
W3944
20.05.2011
The Triumph of Oil Painting (TOP) - Mo Abd-Ulla
WWW
99 Iraqi artists will be invited to make 99 paintings of oil/ petroleum on paper or canvas. TOP is structured to take place at 99-public spaces for 33 days. It is an independently curated multi-site-showcasing 99 Oil painting of 99 emerging and establi ...
99 Iraqi artists will be invited to make 99 paintings of oil/ petroleum on paper or canvas. TOP is structured to take place at 99-public spaces for 33 days. It is an independently curated multi-site-showcasing 99 Oil painting of 99 emerging and establi ...
W4371
25.05.2011
leak - Thessia Machado
WWW
leak A rumination on transmutation, language, the experience of time, death and the joys of apartment living. Installation with 12.5 gallons of water (equivalent to my weight), vinyl, sheetrock, camera, computer running max/msp/jitter, monitor and ...
leak A rumination on transmutation, language, the experience of time, death and the joys of apartment living. Installation with 12.5 gallons of water (equivalent to my weight), vinyl, sheetrock, camera, computer running max/msp/jitter, monitor and ...
W5380
19.10.2012
Caution! Work in Progress - Geraldo Zamproni
WWW
Caution! Work in Progress Rack or plastic folding board with vibrant yellow tone is a warning message that awakens the immediate interest of the observer in conferring closely with looking at what is happening. ...
Caution! Work in Progress Rack or plastic folding board with vibrant yellow tone is a warning message that awakens the immediate interest of the observer in conferring closely with looking at what is happening. ...
W5294
16.10.2012
Western Gateway to Iowa - Andrew Leicester
WWW
Western Gateway to Iowa – The Energy State Iowa is the largest US producer of corn which is increasing devoted to ethanol production. Iowa is also a leader in wind power generation especially in the western edges of the state. Iowa’s most famous ...
Western Gateway to Iowa – The Energy State Iowa is the largest US producer of corn which is increasing devoted to ethanol production. Iowa is also a leader in wind power generation especially in the western edges of the state. Iowa’s most famous ...
W10895
23.03.2015
The Great Wall Archive - The Bureau for Transgressive Tourism and the Acquisition of its Archives
WWW
The Great Wall Archive presents many potential narratives through the collection and exhibition of an excess of specific and seemingly arbitrary information. Its conception was spurred by a curiosity in the ways we communicate with one another, specifical ...
The Great Wall Archive presents many potential narratives through the collection and exhibition of an excess of specific and seemingly arbitrary information. Its conception was spurred by a curiosity in the ways we communicate with one another, specifical ...
U9864
01.01.1992
Post Photographic apparatus - Steven Pippin
Unbuilt Roads
Description: The impetus came from , or was initially inspired by the endless stream of monotonous images created by the exponential growth in the amount of photographic apparatus. In an effort to counteract this mediocre use of such a powerfull medium ...
Description: The impetus came from , or was initially inspired by the endless stream of monotonous images created by the exponential growth in the amount of photographic apparatus. In an effort to counteract this mediocre use of such a powerfull medium ...
W4550
25.05.2011
Where Did My Husband Go...?
WWW
Where Did My Husband Go...? This two projection and six single channel video installation, based on a personally written poem entitled the same, presents images of contemporary times but reflects back to the Middle Passage, approximately 1440- 1640’s ...
Where Did My Husband Go...? This two projection and six single channel video installation, based on a personally written poem entitled the same, presents images of contemporary times but reflects back to the Middle Passage, approximately 1440- 1640’s ...
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... ...
W4539
25.05.2011
pour le C.C.C. - G.R. and M.F. for Le C.C.C.
WWW
G.R. et M.F pour le C.C.C. nous abordons ces côtes optiques par cette lettre intraduisible pour essayer de décrocher un peu d'argent, ou du moins poursuivre notre existence momentanée par votre lecture profane. Ayant montré un intérêt pour les ...
G.R. et M.F pour le C.C.C. nous abordons ces côtes optiques par cette lettre intraduisible pour essayer de décrocher un peu d'argent, ou du moins poursuivre notre existence momentanée par votre lecture profane. Ayant montré un intérêt pour les ...
W3983
21.05.2011
The Panajachel Biennial’s Story: A Community Still to Come - Panajachel Biennial
WWW
The Panajachel Biennial was an initiative by a group of young independent curators (Karl Escher, Abbas Ibn Salah al Din, Guillermo Santamarina, Joao Castro da Silva y Takouhi Abesalom) who convened in Panajachel in 2009. The result of this meeting was a p ...
The Panajachel Biennial was an initiative by a group of young independent curators (Karl Escher, Abbas Ibn Salah al Din, Guillermo Santamarina, Joao Castro da Silva y Takouhi Abesalom) who convened in Panajachel in 2009. The result of this meeting was a p ...
W4654
25.05.2011
City of Revolutions - Stefanos Tsivopoulos
WWW
City of Revolutions An unrealized project by Stefanos Tsivopoulos "Whoever could be in charge of the public sphere of Tehran was in charge of the country. The contest over, and the domination of, the public spaces of the city was the embodiment of the ...
City of Revolutions An unrealized project by Stefanos Tsivopoulos "Whoever could be in charge of the public sphere of Tehran was in charge of the country. The contest over, and the domination of, the public spaces of the city was the embodiment of the ...
W4754
27.05.2011
Billboard - Oona Stern
WWW
Using the technique of banner advertising ubiquitous throughout the city, a scaffolding bridgeway in lower Manhattan would be wallpapered with an image of architectural material. Reclaiming architectural surfaces from the pervasion of advertising, "billbo ...
Using the technique of banner advertising ubiquitous throughout the city, a scaffolding bridgeway in lower Manhattan would be wallpapered with an image of architectural material. Reclaiming architectural surfaces from the pervasion of advertising, "billbo ...
W4766
29.05.2011
Joanna Grasso
WWW
Take all paintings out of octagonal red room in the Uffizi, Florence, Italy. Leave homo-erotic sculptures of men in battle, also keep large gold gilded frames. Replace canvases with flat screen video monitors that display footage recorded from Tuscan tree ...
Take all paintings out of octagonal red room in the Uffizi, Florence, Italy. Leave homo-erotic sculptures of men in battle, also keep large gold gilded frames. Replace canvases with flat screen video monitors that display footage recorded from Tuscan tree ...
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 ...
W3910
20.05.2011
Dutton and Swindells
WWW
A list of all the possible endings of everything that could ever end. Impossible to complete of course, in the positivity of its construction it undoes its negation and is always becoming something new. ...
A list of all the possible endings of everything that could ever end. Impossible to complete of course, in the positivity of its construction it undoes its negation and is always becoming something new. ...
W3733
18.05.2011
“Veil” - Felippe Moraes
WWW
“Veil” The intervention, in the simulations proposed for “Teatro Colón” in Peru and “Paço das Artes” in São Paulo - Brazil, works by placing 3 fog machines in the top of the specific building. These machines produce smoke that are than c ...
“Veil” The intervention, in the simulations proposed for “Teatro Colón” in Peru and “Paço das Artes” in São Paulo - Brazil, works by placing 3 fog machines in the top of the specific building. These machines produce smoke that are than c ...
W4604
25.05.2011
Ideas as falling light energy for a day - Karen Roulstone
WWW
Ideas as falling light energy for a day These sample works are from the start of a project which aims were to attempt to map thought processes connected to ideas which can never be fully resolved. The plan was to map ideas diagrammatically as falling l ...
Ideas as falling light energy for a day These sample works are from the start of a project which aims were to attempt to map thought processes connected to ideas which can never be fully resolved. The plan was to map ideas diagrammatically as falling l ...
W4367
25.05.2011
Trace  - Thessia Machado
WWW
Trace An interactive installation that allows the viewers to be part of a collaboration with previous visitors and the architecture of the exhibition space. A continuous record of people’s motion through space that engenders dynamic drawings and sound ...
Trace An interactive installation that allows the viewers to be part of a collaboration with previous visitors and the architecture of the exhibition space. A continuous record of people’s motion through space that engenders dynamic drawings and sound ...