On May 14th 2024 the Iconclass plus Illustrated Edition was officially launched. This new version combines the authoritative edition of the Iconclass classification schedules with a large dataset of images already tagged with Iconclass, helpful examples of how the system has been used so far by a wide variety of heritage institutions.

To help speed up the classification process a first version of a pattern matching functionality was added. So, as with Google Images, a query can be started with a reversed image search instead of a word search or a browse action. We aim to add many more images to the database and make it much easier to copy tags to batches of pictures, thus making the classification of the content of images smoother and more efficient.
Adding a IIIF Mirador Lightbox and reviving the iconographic Bibliography of the original Iconclass system are only two of our further ambitions.

However ...

The online Iconclass system is a service that is free of charge, while the Henri van de Waal Foundation that has assumed responsibility for the maintenance and development of the system, is a Public Benefit Organization without any structural funding.
The Foundation does not want to change the open status of Iconclass or charge anyone for its use, but costs are involved in running the Iconclass Illustrated Edition service, keeping its content up-to-date, and further expanding its functionalities.
Therefore the Foundation is now inviting the active support of the user community to help it fund those costs and ensure that the best version of the Iconclass system will remain available to them and to others, and can be further enriched with images and additional useful functionalities.

Iconclass is used by institutions across the globe. They are dealing with a variety of official rules and regulations which may complicate supporting the Foundation financially. This survey should first of all clarify how many institutions are in a position - and willing - to help the Foundation carry the cost of maintenance and further development of the Iconclass Illustrated Edition, and ensure its long-term availability.
If your institution is unable to help, we would be grateful for information that explains your situation.

We are envisaging three ways to support the Iconclass system:
1. by making your institution a (paying) member of the Iconclass Consortium
2. by contributing your time and skills to the editorial and technical improvement of the system
3. by making a donation.

Should you have alternative ideas, do let us know.