As the only international index of visual sources of music, dance, theatre and opera, the work of Association RIdIM involves many scholarly and professional groups which are currently involved with the cataloguing and research activities which Association RIdIM sponsors. As a result, the conduct and management of the work itself, as well as the tools and products thus generated, have a large and diverse range of potential benefits to the academic world and beyond.
Association RIdIM can play an active role in the provision of support for academic institutions wishing to teach undergraduate or postgraduate modules within any faculty. This support is extended to schools, where, in many countries, the study of music and art is being eroded. Association RIdIM can thus provide a valuable free-of-charge service to support these institutions.
The cataloguing departments of museums and libraries profit from the information and knowledge provided by Association RIdIM since they generally have no professional staff trained in music iconography at their disposal. In the area of museums and other such institutions, Association RIdIM supplies expertise in the areas of exhibition curation and consulation for conservation of items of visual culture. In addition Association RIdIM provides a consultation service to auction houses and private individuals where the identification of motifs concerning music, dance, theatre and opera are required.
The benefit of Association RIdIM’s work to research in historically informed music practice and organology is well-established and ranges from information about the construction of musical instruments and the setting of ancient opera productions and orchestral performance to the use of appropriate visual material for audio production such as artwork for CD covers and booklet illustrations.
Association RIdIM actively supports relevant activities in the field of the protection of visual cultural assets and the exploration of a new understanding of visual sources as an essential part and parcel of our cultural heritage.