FESTIVAL HISTORY

For nearly two decades, The Ampersand International Arts Festival (formerly The W&M Global Film Festival) has brought the Williamsburg community and visitors together for an annual celebration of the arts.

Additional trailers and past programs are available on the festival’s YouTube channel.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Ampersand International Arts Festival (AIAF) strives to foster a better understanding of art’s place within the world by showcasing a diverse array of artists and their work. The week-long event features special guests, films, author talks, and live music, theater, and dance performances. 

AIAF seeks to encourage and inspire the next generation of artists and industry professionals. The festival’s Industry Summit features professional workshops, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions with special guests and W&M alumni. These events offer attendees an opportunity to engage directly with artists and professionals working in the arts to learn more about their craft and career paths. All of these sessions are free and open to the public. 

Ensuring everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the arts is a central part of AIAF’s mission. Many programs are offered with free admission. Additionally, all current William & Mary students may attend festival programs for free. 

The City of Williamsburg sponsors AIAF as part of their initiatives to foster a more vibrant community, diversify local tourism, and support town-gown initiatives.

ACCESSIBILITY

The William & Mary Global Film Festival is committed to equal opportunity for persons with disabilities and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

All film and live performance venues are ADA compliant, with ramp access and wheelchair areas for viewing performances.

Personal captioning devices and captioning services are unavailable for screenings at most festival venues due to technical limitations.

ASL services can be provided for live events as requested.

Requests for accessibility services must be emailed to the festival seven business days prior to the event date to guarantee availability for any festival programs.

STUDENT PROGRAMS

The Ampersand International Arts Festival is part of the City of Williamsburg’s initiatives to support town-gown collaborations between the City, William & Mary, Colonial Williamsburg, and local partners.

AIAF showcases artistic works created by William & Mary alumni, faculty, and students. Additionally, many W&M alumni working in the arts facilitate professional workshops as part of the Industry Summit. By featuring W&M alumni, the festival seeks to keep alumni actively engaged with the Williamsburg and William & Mary communities.

Current students have the opportunity to get involved with the AIAF through internships for academic credit. Overseen by the Film and Media Studies Department, these internships provide students with an opportunity to gain hands-on production experience. 

Through this partnership, all current William & Mary students may attend festival programs for free.