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.

Douglas Gordon - 5 year drive-by; proposal for a public artwork.

Aus: Katalog 'Kunst bleibt Kunst' - Hans Peter Feldman

Project tor the Veterans Administration Hospital--Bay Pines, Florida. - Robert Morris

CIVITAS Stadtpostkarten - Lothar Baumgarten

<A Public Misery Message> - Critical Art Ensemble

Broadway Musicals - Christian Marclay

den anonymen Tod ausstellen - Gregor Schneider

Making for Art - 100 Unsucceeded Presentation - 1995, 1996,  - Yutaka Sone

Projet pour la Place Saint Léger à Chambery  - Erik Dietman

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

Agency of Unrealised Projects
Logo by Liam Gillick
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Date
Title
Source
Description
Tags
W3891
20.05.2011
The Library of Audio Visual and Textual Sources of Inspiration and Motivation (LAVTSIM) - Corey Escoto
WWW
The Library of Audio Visual and Textual Sources of Inspiration and Motivation (LAVTSIM) is an unrealized organization dedicated to the collecting and display of information of motivational (fear based) and inspirational (coming from some unconscious creat ...
The Library of Audio Visual and Textual Sources of Inspiration and Motivation (LAVTSIM) is an unrealized organization dedicated to the collecting and display of information of motivational (fear based) and inspirational (coming from some unconscious creat ...
W3794
18.05.2011
The Local Tourist Project - Tempestt Hazel
WWW
The Local Tourist Project Proposed for the Apex Art Franchise Call for 400-word Curatorial Proposals Tempestt Hazel | Chicago, 2010 Traveling from a place of familiarity to explore new territory has driven technology, expansion and economy on a globa ...
The Local Tourist Project Proposed for the Apex Art Franchise Call for 400-word Curatorial Proposals Tempestt Hazel | Chicago, 2010 Traveling from a place of familiarity to explore new territory has driven technology, expansion and economy on a globa ...
W4134
23.05.2011
The Order of Reflections - Jerzy Olek
WWW
Jerzy Olek The Order of Reflections In former centuries in order to transpose a view onto a piece of paper draughtsmen used a frames screen divided into square sections. They observed the view through their perspective machine, and built their pictu ...
Jerzy Olek The Order of Reflections In former centuries in order to transpose a view onto a piece of paper draughtsmen used a frames screen divided into square sections. They observed the view through their perspective machine, and built their pictu ...
W3563
12.05.2011
natascha seideneck
WWW
This sculpture was proposed for a crime lab and addresses elements of visibility and invisibly of the building itself, similar to physical evidence uncovering unknown facts. ...
This sculpture was proposed for a crime lab and addresses elements of visibility and invisibly of the building itself, similar to physical evidence uncovering unknown facts. ...
W4779
03.06.2011
Trolling - Karen Hibbard
WWW
This project is too expensive for me to make without a grant and physically too large without paying for storage. However, the theme is relevant as it addresses issues around global warming and climate change as well as our addiction to consumerism an ...
This project is too expensive for me to make without a grant and physically too large without paying for storage. However, the theme is relevant as it addresses issues around global warming and climate change as well as our addiction to consumerism an ...
W11076
07.04.2016
Temple of Modern Virtue - Vilja Achté
WWW
My work revolves around the relevance of the intentionally incomplete state as a method of production in art and design practice. The term itself is an adaptation of the Renaissance term ‘non-finito’, which quite literally means ‘not finished’, an ...
My work revolves around the relevance of the intentionally incomplete state as a method of production in art and design practice. The term itself is an adaptation of the Renaissance term ‘non-finito’, which quite literally means ‘not finished’, an ...
U9668
21.02.1997
Niemandsland - Hans Haacke
Unbuilt Roads
Eine Kreisfläche von ca. 30m Durchmesser ist auf dem offenen zum Ministerium für Bildung und Wiesenschaft und dem Ministerium für Justiz der Bundesrepublik Deutschland gehörenden ebenen Gelände in Bonn-BadGodesberg zu markieren, wenn möglich auf d ...
Eine Kreisfläche von ca. 30m Durchmesser ist auf dem offenen zum Ministerium für Bildung und Wiesenschaft und dem Ministerium für Justiz der Bundesrepublik Deutschland gehörenden ebenen Gelände in Bonn-BadGodesberg zu markieren, wenn möglich auf d ...
W5477
21.10.2012
Wojciech Gilewicz
WWW
With making the described below proposal in the framework of an open call organized by the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw (in progress since 2005), I wanted to develop in 2005 in Warsaw public space a project consisting in both revival of Warsaw urban fab ...
With making the described below proposal in the framework of an open call organized by the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw (in progress since 2005), I wanted to develop in 2005 in Warsaw public space a project consisting in both revival of Warsaw urban fab ...
W5162
25.09.2012
Heather Lewis
WWW
An installation that mimics the rising and setting of the sun, condensed to perhaps 5 minutes – a lamp moving in a 30 ft arc (15 ft radius). It shows the effects of variable light and therefore shadows, on various objects and situations. ...
An installation that mimics the rising and setting of the sun, condensed to perhaps 5 minutes – a lamp moving in a 30 ft arc (15 ft radius). It shows the effects of variable light and therefore shadows, on various objects and situations. ...
W3986
21.05.2011
EMOTIONAL SPACE - sculptor PhD, Aili Vahtrapuu, disainer Janika Vesberg
WWW
Project for Venice XII International Architectural Biennale : People meet in Architecture. An interactive installation to analyse and combine the aural and the visual STATEMENT : PEOPLE MEET IN ARCHITECTURE Venice XII International Architectural ...
Project for Venice XII International Architectural Biennale : People meet in Architecture. An interactive installation to analyse and combine the aural and the visual STATEMENT : PEOPLE MEET IN ARCHITECTURE Venice XII International Architectural ...
W3882
19.05.2011
Wheatfields - Carlo Marcucci
WWW
Large imaginary sculptures made of pasta strands. These non-existent structures are based on the "Wheatfields" body of work. "Wheatfields" are existent wall-mounted sculptures made of spaghetti and various kinds on noodles applied to wood. "The Gate" ...
Large imaginary sculptures made of pasta strands. These non-existent structures are based on the "Wheatfields" body of work. "Wheatfields" are existent wall-mounted sculptures made of spaghetti and various kinds on noodles applied to wood. "The Gate" ...
W4035
22.05.2011
Riding The Gravy Plane 2005 - Stefan Nikolaev
WWW
Stefan Nikolaev Riding The Gravy Plane 2005 “All aboard. The Gravy Plane is an artwork by Stefan Nikolaev that offers you the one and only chance to take a “smokers only” cross-Atlantic flight. ...
Stefan Nikolaev Riding The Gravy Plane 2005 “All aboard. The Gravy Plane is an artwork by Stefan Nikolaev that offers you the one and only chance to take a “smokers only” cross-Atlantic flight. ...
W4851
08.08.2012
Light Savers - John Ruggieri
WWW
JOHN RUGGIERI PROPOSAL: Light Savers The following was submitted in 2003 in response to an invitation to artists to participate in THE FOUR ELEMENTS by The Forest Hills Educational Trust. This juried outdoor exhibition consists of temporary installa ...
JOHN RUGGIERI PROPOSAL: Light Savers The following was submitted in 2003 in response to an invitation to artists to participate in THE FOUR ELEMENTS by The Forest Hills Educational Trust. This juried outdoor exhibition consists of temporary installa ...
W5210
05.10.2012
The Ringer (What Every Tower Needs) - Zoe Mackler
WWW
Project Proposal In Brief -­ The Ringer (What Every Tower Needs) This work address the complex feelings of displacement and disconnect experienced by the Glasgow School of Art and the surrounding community during campus redevelopment. Honoring the ideals ...
Project Proposal In Brief -­ The Ringer (What Every Tower Needs) This work address the complex feelings of displacement and disconnect experienced by the Glasgow School of Art and the surrounding community during campus redevelopment. Honoring the ideals ...
W4457
25.05.2011
Bamboo Treehouse Project summary  - Suwan Laimanee
WWW
Bamboo Treehouse Project summary Bamboo Treehouse is a site-specific performance intended to provide an inspirational example of sustainable living to both the local and global population alike. The project is an ongoing interactive experiment, explorin ...
Bamboo Treehouse Project summary Bamboo Treehouse is a site-specific performance intended to provide an inspirational example of sustainable living to both the local and global population alike. The project is an ongoing interactive experiment, explorin ...
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 ...
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 ...
W5458
20.10.2012
Jeffrey Millsaps
WWW
My submission calls for a form of weir to be built at the Schuylkill River Environmental Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The structure, which is designed to aerate the water and allow for the deposit of silt, is built in the shape of skyscrapers... ...
My submission calls for a form of weir to be built at the Schuylkill River Environmental Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The structure, which is designed to aerate the water and allow for the deposit of silt, is built in the shape of skyscrapers... ...
W4245
24.05.2011
Frau Fiber
WWW
My lifeʼs work is dedicated to instigating new ways for participants to consider their engagement in the world, their purchasing power, or non-purchasing power. Transforming spaces of relaxation into spaces of physical production. Encouraging Participant ...
My lifeʼs work is dedicated to instigating new ways for participants to consider their engagement in the world, their purchasing power, or non-purchasing power. Transforming spaces of relaxation into spaces of physical production. Encouraging Participant ...
W4593
25.05.2011
Sketch-collage for a project - antonio menchen
WWW
Untitled. 2008. Sketch-collage for a project. Variable measures. ...
Untitled. 2008. Sketch-collage for a project. Variable measures. ...
W3691
16.05.2011
Rolf Hinterecker
WWW
The train will be fixed in a steal frame construction Most of the complex construction is placed under the water surface. Counterbalances in the cube are needed for the balance. Several boom supports floating short above the ground will protect an overset ...
The train will be fixed in a steal frame construction Most of the complex construction is placed under the water surface. Counterbalances in the cube are needed for the balance. Several boom supports floating short above the ground will protect an overset ...
W3776
18.05.2011
The Game - Thea Lanzisero
WWW
Socrates Sculpture Park Proposal 2009 “The Game” Observation on the use of a rural, renewable plant media within an urban industrial setting I am curious as to the various adaptations and boundaries of bamboo. ...
Socrates Sculpture Park Proposal 2009 “The Game” Observation on the use of a rural, renewable plant media within an urban industrial setting I am curious as to the various adaptations and boundaries of bamboo. ...
W4505
25.05.2011
NEW NEW AGE - Eduardo Navarro
WWW
NEW NEW AGE The project seeks to capitalize the kinetic energy generated at a gym. Transforming the movement of the stationary bikes, running machines, work out machines, etc into electrical energy with the use of dynamos. The gym will be independent of ...
NEW NEW AGE The project seeks to capitalize the kinetic energy generated at a gym. Transforming the movement of the stationary bikes, running machines, work out machines, etc into electrical energy with the use of dynamos. The gym will be independent of ...
W4248
24.05.2011
Travis Brown
WWW
Leaving New York City and heading to Florida for my Spring Break sounded like a great idea, beaches and relaxation is just what I needed. Being the photographer that I am led me to discover an abandoned subdivision within Loxahatchee, Florida referred to ...
Leaving New York City and heading to Florida for my Spring Break sounded like a great idea, beaches and relaxation is just what I needed. Being the photographer that I am led me to discover an abandoned subdivision within Loxahatchee, Florida referred to ...
W5006
30.08.2012
Das soziale NetzKunstwerk - Karen Eliot
WWW
An internet forum/ social network for Open Source Art projects: Artists always have unrealized ideas - things that just slumber in sketchbooks forever. We want to create a website, where users can propose such projects and leave it open for others to adop ...
An internet forum/ social network for Open Source Art projects: Artists always have unrealized ideas - things that just slumber in sketchbooks forever. We want to create a website, where users can propose such projects and leave it open for others to adop ...
W4479
25.05.2011
Hösl&Mihaljevic
WWW
Project: To print a whole issue of a newspaper, for example Sueddeutsche Zeitung, twice: First time only the pictures. Second time only the words. ...
Project: To print a whole issue of a newspaper, for example Sueddeutsche Zeitung, twice: First time only the pictures. Second time only the words. ...