Film poster for “Spiral Bound.”

In October of 2012, the Arts & Science Council in partnership with Mecklenburg County opened Studio 345 at Spirit Square. Studio 345 is a free, after-school youth development program that uses the arts, specifically digital photography and multimedia, to engage and inspire students. The program aims to foster a sense of belonging and interconnectedness through unique experiences and mentorship by professional working artists in efforts to help students stay in school, graduate and grow emotionally, intellectually and artistically.

“Spiral Bound,” a documentary about Studio 345 and social justice in the education system, premieres on September 9th at 7 p.m. in McGlohon Theatre. Directed by Jason Winn, produced by Chris Blunt and co-written by Micael Buchanan, the documentary follows high school students in Studio 345 and college students from Davidson College as they explore the education system over the course of one summer. “Spiral Bound” illustrates the importance of the arts in preparing students for the workforce and the alternative consequences of defunding arts education.

“If you want to know what the arts can do in the lives of young people, this film tells that story,” said Dr. Barbara Ann Temple, ASC vice president of education. “It shows very clearly the power of the arts and how they can motivate our students to go to school, stay in school, graduate and move on to pursue a world of possibilities.”

In fact, this 60-minute film literally exemplifies this, as students in Studio 345 were part of the film crew and created the music and art utilized in “Spiral Bound.” Temple noted that “being able to participate in a real-world, community-based experience like this not only reinforces the skills these students learn in Studio 345, but it also empowers them to become active citizens and advocate for their own education.”

Tickets to the documentary are $10 for adults and $8 for students. “Spiral Bound” will also be shown on September 11th at 7 p.m. at the Davidson College Duke Family Performance Hall. Filmmakers, writers and students featured in the documentary will be at the screenings.