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.

Notebook Page: Home in the Form of a Banana with Garage,  - Claes Oldenburg

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

Time Magazine Cover - Robert Rauschenberg

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

Tulips for Amsterdam - Isa Genzken

MAK - Wien  - Rosemarie Trockel

Visual Poem: Cap I Cua - Joan Brossa

La Guerra De Los Simbolos - Victor Grippo

Grand Concours International D'Architecture  - Mahe Gilles

Proposal for a permanent video installation for the NYC headquarters of Sony Corporation - Dara Birnbaum

Agency of Unrealised Projects
Logo by Liam Gillick
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Date
Title
Source
Description
Tags
W5016
30.08.2012
TOTEM WAR - WHEN ARCHITECTURE BECOMES RIVAL CLANS’ BATTLEFIELD - Martial MARQUET
WWW
TOTEM WAR - WHEN ARCHITECTURE BECOMES RIVAL CLANS’ BATTLEFIELD autors : Louisa Gouesnard, Martial Marquet, Nicolas Polaert. date : Jan 2011 Place : Sliznevo, RUSSIA. Dimensions : variables Materials : Wood/Steel What is happening in Sliznevo ? ...
TOTEM WAR - WHEN ARCHITECTURE BECOMES RIVAL CLANS’ BATTLEFIELD autors : Louisa Gouesnard, Martial Marquet, Nicolas Polaert. date : Jan 2011 Place : Sliznevo, RUSSIA. Dimensions : variables Materials : Wood/Steel What is happening in Sliznevo ? ...
W3616
13.05.2011
Fountion of Steam - Scott Hillman
WWW
This was a project i designed for a sculpture park, as a water element of such.. The owner didn't want a water feature and rejected it. As such it was never implimented though i made an estimate for around 2000.00 to build. The idea of it quite simply ...
This was a project i designed for a sculpture park, as a water element of such.. The owner didn't want a water feature and rejected it. As such it was never implimented though i made an estimate for around 2000.00 to build. The idea of it quite simply ...
W4171
24.05.2011
Mitya Nesterov
WWW
Project with a work title ZOO, series of hand printed color photographs installed inside animal and bird cages ...
Project with a work title ZOO, series of hand printed color photographs installed inside animal and bird cages ...
W3718
17.05.2011
Thomas Koole
WWW
The installation was removed just prior to opening by curator without explanation (space given to another artist) -as the work depended upon viewer interaction for realization it remains un-actuated. Us and Them wood, copper, toy soldiers, red candl ...
The installation was removed just prior to opening by curator without explanation (space given to another artist) -as the work depended upon viewer interaction for realization it remains un-actuated. Us and Them wood, copper, toy soldiers, red candl ...
W3583
13.05.2011
Green Architecture - Francesco Fossati
WWW
wall installation variable dimensions water pain on wall and oil on paper transfered on wooden tables (26 x 19 cm each element) The project consists of a large installation that runs on the walls, creating a visually stunning work of able to relate g ...
wall installation variable dimensions water pain on wall and oil on paper transfered on wooden tables (26 x 19 cm each element) The project consists of a large installation that runs on the walls, creating a visually stunning work of able to relate g ...
W5158
24.09.2012
"Metrópolis" and "City Lights" - Alexis Duque
WWW
These are Acrylic on canvas paintings. Metropolis 48x24 Inches City Lights 1 36x48 Inches You can see thses images and more at: www.alexisduque.net Alexis Duque: Metrópolis In his new series of paintings, Alexis Duque presents us with an idea ...
These are Acrylic on canvas paintings. Metropolis 48x24 Inches City Lights 1 36x48 Inches You can see thses images and more at: www.alexisduque.net Alexis Duque: Metrópolis In his new series of paintings, Alexis Duque presents us with an idea ...
W3858
19.05.2011
Cheryl K. Shurtleff
WWW
I propose to construct cat hair figures from fur collected from the cats housed at the Idaho Humane Shelter over a period of time. In order to realize this project I propose to visit the Humane Shelter twice per week over a period of one month. I will pet ...
I propose to construct cat hair figures from fur collected from the cats housed at the Idaho Humane Shelter over a period of time. In order to realize this project I propose to visit the Humane Shelter twice per week over a period of one month. I will pet ...
W4468
25.05.2011
Bürger Schöpfung Ewigkeit  - Gabriele Juvan
WWW
Bürger Schöpfung Ewigkeit (i.e. Citizen Creation Eternity) is a site specific, temporary project conceived for ,Luisenburg‘ rock labyrinth (Felsenlabyrinth) next to the city of Wunsiedel on the German/Czech border: *Six eye-catching rocks on a loop tr ...
Bürger Schöpfung Ewigkeit (i.e. Citizen Creation Eternity) is a site specific, temporary project conceived for ,Luisenburg‘ rock labyrinth (Felsenlabyrinth) next to the city of Wunsiedel on the German/Czech border: *Six eye-catching rocks on a loop tr ...
W5417
20.10.2012
Untitled - Rachel Alliston
WWW
This untitled project was for a temporary installation in London’s Gordon Square. It was planned over the course of ten months by Rachel Alliston and Laura Weatherly. Before starting work on building the piece, Alliston and Weatherly made an exhibition ...
This untitled project was for a temporary installation in London’s Gordon Square. It was planned over the course of ten months by Rachel Alliston and Laura Weatherly. Before starting work on building the piece, Alliston and Weatherly made an exhibition ...
W3633
14.05.2011
Le déclin du jour - Berger&Berger
WWW
Marché Couvert, Metz, France

 2010 City of Metz, France

 Structural Engineer : Bollinger + Grohmann (France) 

The advent of artificial light, which grew strongly during XXst century,
has gradually freed the man from the natural rhyt ...
Marché Couvert, Metz, France

 2010 City of Metz, France

 Structural Engineer : Bollinger + Grohmann (France) 

The advent of artificial light, which grew strongly during XXst century,
has gradually freed the man from the natural rhyt ...
W5199
03.10.2012
Social Walls - David Averbuch
WWW
Social Walls™ A Proposal for an Environmental Sculpture 25 November 2013 David Averbuch This proposed artwork has just four walls in a square shape, yet it represents a new idea. Each wall will be divided into small equal areas, henceforth calle ...
Social Walls™ A Proposal for an Environmental Sculpture 25 November 2013 David Averbuch This proposed artwork has just four walls in a square shape, yet it represents a new idea. Each wall will be divided into small equal areas, henceforth calle ...
W3885
19.05.2011
THE 
CHILHOOD
 OF
 AN 
ENCOUNTER
 - Martin Llavaneras
WWW
At a dinner I met R.M, aged 56 millionaire. We had a conversation. The same night, we entertained the idea of making a project together: ¨...what would happen if you were hanging from a cliff by a rope, and the rope is cut ?... ...
At a dinner I met R.M, aged 56 millionaire. We had a conversation. The same night, we entertained the idea of making a project together: ¨...what would happen if you were hanging from a cliff by a rope, and the rope is cut ?... ...
W4232
24.05.2011
Framing al-Zarqawi - Nicholas Knight
WWW
Nicholas Knight Framing al-Zarqawi, 2006 Mixed media installation, including framed photographs, podium, US and Iraqi flags, rugs, easels, curtain, furniture, etc. Size determined by installation [never realized] In June 2006, US-led forces in Ir ...
Nicholas Knight Framing al-Zarqawi, 2006 Mixed media installation, including framed photographs, podium, US and Iraqi flags, rugs, easels, curtain, furniture, etc. Size determined by installation [never realized] In June 2006, US-led forces in Ir ...
W4315
24.05.2011
Catherine Vieira
WWW
For this public art installation, Invisible border, Paris-based artist Catherine Vieira proposes installing along East River State Park in Brooklyn a four layers of mesh fabric tent. ...
For this public art installation, Invisible border, Paris-based artist Catherine Vieira proposes installing along East River State Park in Brooklyn a four layers of mesh fabric tent. ...
W4381
25.05.2011
Listening Sign - Jamie Pawlus
WWW
Project: Listening Sign The empty sign structure is rapidly populating the urban and rural horizon across the entire United States. I perceive it as a symbol of an economy, culture, and the human spirit in a state of decline. This structure is more tha ...
Project: Listening Sign The empty sign structure is rapidly populating the urban and rural horizon across the entire United States. I perceive it as a symbol of an economy, culture, and the human spirit in a state of decline. This structure is more tha ...
W4201
24.05.2011
Roger Hiorns
WWW
Section one, presents a communication to the people of Tuckerton NJ and in turn the people of NY. Section Two, I was asked to propose for the latest round of Fourth plinth installations. ...
Section one, presents a communication to the people of Tuckerton NJ and in turn the people of NY. Section Two, I was asked to propose for the latest round of Fourth plinth installations. ...
W4460
25.05.2011
Wish Tree - Soyoung Park
WWW
Wish Tree I am drawn to the naivety of the words “wish” and “tree”. In the current cultural atmosphere of criticality, the naive cliche of growing wishes on a tree feels almost refreshing. But then I question what kinds of wishes we can grow on ...
Wish Tree I am drawn to the naivety of the words “wish” and “tree”. In the current cultural atmosphere of criticality, the naive cliche of growing wishes on a tree feels almost refreshing. But then I question what kinds of wishes we can grow on ...
W4021
22.05.2011
MAKE YOUR MOVE - Marjan Verhaeghe
WWW
Marjan Verhaeghe For: Agency of Unrealized Projects (AUP) In my proposal for a residence in Dublin, 2008, I formulated an interactive idea for a cooperation with other artists. I was selected to come over, but in that period I couldn’t go (be ...
Marjan Verhaeghe For: Agency of Unrealized Projects (AUP) In my proposal for a residence in Dublin, 2008, I formulated an interactive idea for a cooperation with other artists. I was selected to come over, but in that period I couldn’t go (be ...
W3589
13.05.2011
Failed Music Store - Luke Munn
WWW
Work Description: In this proposed project for Watermans, 1000 bargain bin CDs are purchased and made available to visitors to browse, playback and take-away if they wish. Rather than a constantly updated library of the latest hits, these albums are the ...
Work Description: In this proposed project for Watermans, 1000 bargain bin CDs are purchased and made available to visitors to browse, playback and take-away if they wish. Rather than a constantly updated library of the latest hits, these albums are the ...
W4668
25.05.2011
The Hope Tree of New Fribourg - MomenTech
WWW
"The Hope Tree of New Fribourg" ("Árvore Esperança de Nova Friburgo") Commemorates the Relationship Between the Sister Cities of Fribourg, Switzerland, sister city, Nova Friburgo, Brazil "Hope is the last to die." -- Portuguese proverb NEW YORK, ...
"The Hope Tree of New Fribourg" ("Árvore Esperança de Nova Friburgo") Commemorates the Relationship Between the Sister Cities of Fribourg, Switzerland, sister city, Nova Friburgo, Brazil "Hope is the last to die." -- Portuguese proverb NEW YORK, ...
W4123
23.05.2011
MEMORY UPGRADE FOR ATTU ISLAND  - Deborah A Bouchette
WWW
MEMORY UPGRADE FOR ATTU ISLAND 1 MEMORY UPGRADE FOR ATTU ISLAND Deborah A. Bouchette 05 May 2009 MEMORY UPGRADE FOR ATTU ISLAND 2 What do we have, but memory? Even the “present” is consumed immediately, and our very recognition of “now” makes ...
MEMORY UPGRADE FOR ATTU ISLAND 1 MEMORY UPGRADE FOR ATTU ISLAND Deborah A. Bouchette 05 May 2009 MEMORY UPGRADE FOR ATTU ISLAND 2 What do we have, but memory? Even the “present” is consumed immediately, and our very recognition of “now” makes ...
D10806
01.01.2008
A Play in Three Acts - Bethan Huws
DAAD
To find three existing flower shops in a relatively large town. The first would be tightly categorised: red roses; pink roses; white lilies, etc. The second would be less so. And the third would resemble something from nature (like many ...
To find three existing flower shops in a relatively large town. The first would be tightly categorised: red roses; pink roses; white lilies, etc. The second would be less so. And the third would resemble something from nature (like many ...
W4650
25.05.2011
La Fonataine  - silvia pereira
WWW
La Fonataine – Lasershot by Sílvia Pereira    Inside a museum room. A laser machine is mounted in a distance of 4 meters to the outer wall. Every thirty minutes it`s being activated and shoots its laser beam ag ...
La Fonataine – Lasershot by Sílvia Pereira    Inside a museum room. A laser machine is mounted in a distance of 4 meters to the outer wall. Every thirty minutes it`s being activated and shoots its laser beam ag ...
W4689
26.05.2011
UNSOLICITED - Laszlo Marsch
WWW
UNSOLICITED Dear H.U.O. and G.T., I own a copy of "Unbuild Roads". It is exciting that "residuals" and "failures" see the daylight. Going through the book and reading the intro it is obvious that most of the projects, even if unrealized, were based on c ...
UNSOLICITED Dear H.U.O. and G.T., I own a copy of "Unbuild Roads". It is exciting that "residuals" and "failures" see the daylight. Going through the book and reading the intro it is obvious that most of the projects, even if unrealized, were based on c ...
W4195
24.05.2011
PURGATORIUM - Zoran Velimanovic
WWW
PURGATORIUM Purgatorium is a total art project with site-specific concept, which combines a contemporary visual art work with classical cultural values. The project focuses on the great and challenging theme of the Purgatory and tries to discover its mea ...
PURGATORIUM Purgatorium is a total art project with site-specific concept, which combines a contemporary visual art work with classical cultural values. The project focuses on the great and challenging theme of the Purgatory and tries to discover its mea ...
W3676
15.05.2011
THE DIARY OF SAMUEL PEPYS, ESQ., F.R.S. FROM 1659 TO 1669 WITH MEMOIR - Press this (The Rsnn Show)
WWW
PREFACE TO THE PRESENT EDITION. The Celebrated work here presented to the public under peculiar advantages may require a few introductory remarks. By the publication, during the last half century, of autobiographies, Diaries, and Records of Personal ...
PREFACE TO THE PRESENT EDITION. The Celebrated work here presented to the public under peculiar advantages may require a few introductory remarks. By the publication, during the last half century, of autobiographies, Diaries, and Records of Personal ...