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.

Eight Days a Week - Joe Scanlan

Fax Transmission - Raymond Pettibone and Jason Rhoades

MODELL OF AN OFFICE FOR A COUPLE OF TWINS, BOTH 1,38 TALL" - Tobias Rehrenberg

Billboard - Jimmie Durham

Why New Worlds Conceived by Artists Do Not Get Built - Peter Fend

<A Public Misery Message> - Critical Art Ensemble

Time Magazine Cover - Robert Rauschenberg

Relatum (Iron Plate and Stone) - Lee Ufan

Square Depression - Bruce Nauman

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

Agency of Unrealised Projects
Logo by Liam Gillick
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Date
Title
Source
Description
Tags
W5032
31.08.2012
Peter Friedl
WWW
When Roger M. Buergel was appointed artistic director of documenta 12, I was asked to develop some ideas for the visual design of d12. I quickly started with research work at the documenta archives in Kassel. Due to ill communication it didn't make much s ...
When Roger M. Buergel was appointed artistic director of documenta 12, I was asked to develop some ideas for the visual design of d12. I quickly started with research work at the documenta archives in Kassel. Due to ill communication it didn't make much s ...
W4459
25.05.2011
adrien tirtiaux
WWW
My first proposed project for an integrated artwork to a water sports centre near Tournai, Belgium. The site faces the last remaining shipyard in an area with a dense industrial past. ...
My first proposed project for an integrated artwork to a water sports centre near Tournai, Belgium. The site faces the last remaining shipyard in an area with a dense industrial past. ...
W4711
26.05.2011
The Intellectual Refuge(e) Camp – 21 tents for the 21st Century - Patrick Meagher & WORK.ac
WWW
Dear M. Buergel, Please find enclosed our proposal ‘The Intellectual Refuge(e) Camp – 21 tents for the 21st Century’, which your Leitmotifs for Documenta 12 inspired. Feeling immediately akin to your text, the Leitmotifs resonated with idea ...
Dear M. Buergel, Please find enclosed our proposal ‘The Intellectual Refuge(e) Camp – 21 tents for the 21st Century’, which your Leitmotifs for Documenta 12 inspired. Feeling immediately akin to your text, the Leitmotifs resonated with idea ...
W4559
25.05.2011
Being there and not here - Baptist Coelho
WWW
Artwork Details: Being there and not here, 2006 Mixed-media installation with performance Dimension of gardens: L 48 X B 52 X H 3 feet Installation dimensions: Variable Concept Note: The installation, Being there and not here, consists of two ide ...
Artwork Details: Being there and not here, 2006 Mixed-media installation with performance Dimension of gardens: L 48 X B 52 X H 3 feet Installation dimensions: Variable Concept Note: The installation, Being there and not here, consists of two ide ...
W11050
01.06.2016
B R E A T H E - Acrylicize
WWW
‘Breathe’ intrinsically tells the unique story about the new St Mary’s Square Development, reflecting its past and celebrating the character of the area. This forward thinking modern artistic sculpture is artistically progressive in nature. It creat ...
‘Breathe’ intrinsically tells the unique story about the new St Mary’s Square Development, reflecting its past and celebrating the character of the area. This forward thinking modern artistic sculpture is artistically progressive in nature. It creat ...
W4396
25.05.2011
The Oyster Delusion - Sean Rafferty
WWW
The Oyster Delusion - a series of recent unrealised projects alongside page 99 of Voss, the 1957 novel by Patrick White. 2010. Large work: graphite on paper in aluminium window-frame. All other works: inkjet prints on archival paper in IKEA frames. Vos ...
The Oyster Delusion - a series of recent unrealised projects alongside page 99 of Voss, the 1957 novel by Patrick White. 2010. Large work: graphite on paper in aluminium window-frame. All other works: inkjet prints on archival paper in IKEA frames. Vos ...
W4921
16.08.2012
‘Proposition for Trove: Light Installation/Painting According to Tonal Values’ and ‘Proposal for Modernist Teepee in Poured Concrete’ - Mary Yacoob
WWW
Title of Image 1: ‘Proposition for Trove: Light Installation/Painting According to Tonal Values’, 42 x 29.5cm, ink and graphite on paper, 2011 Title of Image 2: ‘Proposal for Modernist Teepee in Poured Concrete’, ink and graphite on paper, 50.8 ...
Title of Image 1: ‘Proposition for Trove: Light Installation/Painting According to Tonal Values’, 42 x 29.5cm, ink and graphite on paper, 2011 Title of Image 2: ‘Proposal for Modernist Teepee in Poured Concrete’, ink and graphite on paper, 50.8 ...
W3569
12.05.2011
National Address, Art Education for the public 1985  - Julianna Balogh
WWW
Concept Educating the public about the arts, all arts! With the help of the most powerful medium, mainstream television. Medium Projection of images from the history of art, starting with Nike of Samothrace. Location Highly visible location, pref ...
Concept Educating the public about the arts, all arts! With the help of the most powerful medium, mainstream television. Medium Projection of images from the history of art, starting with Nike of Samothrace. Location Highly visible location, pref ...
W5261
12.10.2012
Memory Confetti - Stephen j Shanabrook / Veronika Georgieva
WWW
STEPHEN j SHANABROOK / VERONIKA GEORGIEVA MEMORY CONFETTI The project MEMORY CONFETTI consists of two parts: through various social network sites we will introduce the project and request the public’s time based participation in sending us imag ...
STEPHEN j SHANABROOK / VERONIKA GEORGIEVA MEMORY CONFETTI The project MEMORY CONFETTI consists of two parts: through various social network sites we will introduce the project and request the public’s time based participation in sending us imag ...
W3839
19.05.2011
La Burqa Project. - Lode Kuylenstierna
WWW
La Burqa Parapluie:
Poster: 59,4 cm × 42 cm 
Copyright Lode Kuylenstierna 2011 La Burqa Taxi:
Poster: 42 cm × 59,4 cm 
Copyright Lode Kuylenstierna 2011 La Burqa Bandage:
Poster: 42 cm × 59,4 cm 
Copyright Lode Kuylenstierna 2011 T ...
La Burqa Parapluie:
Poster: 59,4 cm × 42 cm 
Copyright Lode Kuylenstierna 2011 La Burqa Taxi:
Poster: 42 cm × 59,4 cm 
Copyright Lode Kuylenstierna 2011 La Burqa Bandage:
Poster: 42 cm × 59,4 cm 
Copyright Lode Kuylenstierna 2011 T ...
W5215
06.10.2012
The Modern Book of Cynics - Luc Messinezis
WWW
I read and at the same time I hear a voice in my head; words about humanity's achievements, of human rights and our unsheathing from the beast. But the voice in my head narrates something different making it impossible to comprehend the exact meaning of t ...
I read and at the same time I hear a voice in my head; words about humanity's achievements, of human rights and our unsheathing from the beast. But the voice in my head narrates something different making it impossible to comprehend the exact meaning of t ...
W5285
16.10.2012
Asurini  - Adriana
WWW
Asurini – Textile Design It was my last years in University (2006) when I developed and designed this project. It took 9 months searching and designing it. I was fascinated about the local (Brazilian Indians Asurini) body painting and the story behin ...
Asurini – Textile Design It was my last years in University (2006) when I developed and designed this project. It took 9 months searching and designing it. I was fascinated about the local (Brazilian Indians Asurini) body painting and the story behin ...
W5161
24.09.2012
BIO for Viscera Film Festival - Jasmine Hirst
WWW
Jasmine Hirst: BIO for Viscera Film Festival New York underground artist Jasmine Hirst's ten-year correspondence with serial killer Aileen Wuornos leads to an intimate and mesmerizing interview on Florida's death row. In 1993 I saw Aileen’s photogr ...
Jasmine Hirst: BIO for Viscera Film Festival New York underground artist Jasmine Hirst's ten-year correspondence with serial killer Aileen Wuornos leads to an intimate and mesmerizing interview on Florida's death row. In 1993 I saw Aileen’s photogr ...
W4355
25.05.2011
Veil of Ignorance - James Bae
WWW
Veil of Ignorance The proposal is to hold a weekly discourse on the site of the now demolished Stadtschloß and Palast der Republik. The chosen site is heavily charged with history, having been the seat of the Brandenburg Electors, Prussian Kings, and ...
Veil of Ignorance The proposal is to hold a weekly discourse on the site of the now demolished Stadtschloß and Palast der Republik. The chosen site is heavily charged with history, having been the seat of the Brandenburg Electors, Prussian Kings, and ...
W4814
07.08.2012
Peace Team - Adam Uriel Ruff
WWW
W4425
25.05.2011
Retrospection of Rejection: - Brianne Mackinnon
WWW
Retrospection of Rejection: A collaborative competition with fellow Brisbane artist, Anastasia Booth. Each artist apply's for as many exhibition opportunities as possible - collecting and archiving only the rejection responses to proposals. These document ...
Retrospection of Rejection: A collaborative competition with fellow Brisbane artist, Anastasia Booth. Each artist apply's for as many exhibition opportunities as possible - collecting and archiving only the rejection responses to proposals. These document ...
W5317
18.10.2012
Apostol Kardamov
WWW
To starting form early 19th century, industrial revolution had spread all around the world with enormous impact. Individual countries got infected differently by this magnificent influence. This difference ( in my view point) comes from culture. ...
To starting form early 19th century, industrial revolution had spread all around the world with enormous impact. Individual countries got infected differently by this magnificent influence. This difference ( in my view point) comes from culture. ...
W3752
18.05.2011
Proposal for an Art-Science cooperation for solar lighting a Lebanese village - roula sorour
WWW
My project was a proposal to light up a village in Lebanon using solar power in cooperation with a local University. My proposal was hurried and could have been written better. I never did receive a reply to my proposal. From: Roula Sorour <r@roula ...
My project was a proposal to light up a village in Lebanon using solar power in cooperation with a local University. My proposal was hurried and could have been written better. I never did receive a reply to my proposal. From: Roula Sorour <r@roula ...
W3854
19.05.2011
Yu-Hang Huang
WWW
I am always interested in “Transitional” or “In Between” -a process of transformation. I believe that the transitional state is one kind of human conditions that we all have to face sometime in our live. ...
I am always interested in “Transitional” or “In Between” -a process of transformation. I believe that the transitional state is one kind of human conditions that we all have to face sometime in our live. ...
W5282
15.10.2012
Matthew Patterson
WWW
Proposal Statement As an emerging artist the possibility of the Art Ventures grant comes at a critical time in my career. I am at a point where my artistic development has out grown my financial means and to continue to grow would necessitate outsi ...
Proposal Statement As an emerging artist the possibility of the Art Ventures grant comes at a critical time in my career. I am at a point where my artistic development has out grown my financial means and to continue to grow would necessitate outsi ...
W4137
23.05.2011
Ann McCoy
WWW
THE PFAUENINSEL PROJECT The Transformation of the King and the Alchemist of Pfaueninsel The alchemists were not simply chemists; they developed a symbolic language to describe psychological transformation in a time before psychoanalysis. ...
THE PFAUENINSEL PROJECT The Transformation of the King and the Alchemist of Pfaueninsel The alchemists were not simply chemists; they developed a symbolic language to describe psychological transformation in a time before psychoanalysis. ...
W4511
25.05.2011
Big Pending Coloured Glass Pipe Organ - Tina Braegger
WWW
Big Pending Coloured Glass Pipe Organ (Unrealized, Mai 2011) (50m x 36m x 18m Pending Coloured Glass Pipe Organ, Uyuni salt desert, Bolivia) What (form): It has long since been an idea of mine to build a big pending pipe organ out of co ...
Big Pending Coloured Glass Pipe Organ (Unrealized, Mai 2011) (50m x 36m x 18m Pending Coloured Glass Pipe Organ, Uyuni salt desert, Bolivia) What (form): It has long since been an idea of mine to build a big pending pipe organ out of co ...
W4335
24.05.2011
Jussi Jaakola, Finland
WWW
Untitled painting Mixed media on canvas 35 x 27 cm 2003 Untitled painting Mixed media on board 37 x 48 cm 2004 ...
Untitled painting Mixed media on canvas 35 x 27 cm 2003 Untitled painting Mixed media on board 37 x 48 cm 2004 ...
W3998
21.05.2011
A GARDEN INSIDE INSTITUTIONS - Jana Leo De Blas
WWW
GREEN & WET Angel Borrego & Jana Leo Repetition and Acumulation. The wall is made out of individual plants. Each plant is pretty similar to another But, at the same time, different. For long term installations, a person could sponsors one or more p ...
GREEN & WET Angel Borrego & Jana Leo Repetition and Acumulation. The wall is made out of individual plants. Each plant is pretty similar to another But, at the same time, different. For long term installations, a person could sponsors one or more p ...
W4379
25.05.2011
“Shifting Images of Marseille”  - Srinivas Mangipudi
WWW
Project Proposal: “Shifting Images of Marseille” The urban city areas are often filled with cars and vehicles of all kinds parked in different places, like parking lots, on the streets, or just moving on the road. These can be turned into dynamic ...
Project Proposal: “Shifting Images of Marseille” The urban city areas are often filled with cars and vehicles of all kinds parked in different places, like parking lots, on the streets, or just moving on the road. These can be turned into dynamic ...
W5429
20.10.2012
imagined spaces - Stephen Cruise
WWW
Series entitled ‘imagined spaces’ begun in 2005 On-going. New works generated when site and form find their place. Stephen Cruise Willow dale ON Canada Image One 1 Raymond Drive - a re-visitation to a childhood home Image Two Blooming ...
Series entitled ‘imagined spaces’ begun in 2005 On-going. New works generated when site and form find their place. Stephen Cruise Willow dale ON Canada Image One 1 Raymond Drive - a re-visitation to a childhood home Image Two Blooming ...