Under the Creative Generation banner the Department of Education delivers a suite of programs that celebrate the outstanding arts opportunities in Queensland State schools. Creative Generation – State Schools Onstage (CGEN) is an annual entertainment and education event that showcases the wealth of student talent in the performing arts of Queensland state schools. This high-profile event, known as CGEN, was established in 2005 and has evolved and grown to become one of the Department of Education and Training's most anticipated events. Creative Generation – State Schools Onstage provides Queensland state school students with amazing opportunities to work with professional artists and to learn new vocal, music, acting and dance techniques. In previous years, students have had the privilege to perform alongside artists such as country music legend Lee Kernaghan; pop sensation Ricki Lee; Aria award-winning band Operator Please; 2008 So You Think You Can Dance winner, Jack Chambers, former Ten Tenors members Luke Kennedy and David Kidd, 2009 Australian Idol winner Stan Walker and Australian jazz legend James Morrison. Whether you like classical, country or rock music, ballet or hip hop dance, strings or trumpets, Creative Generation – State Schools Onstage has something for you. Creative Generation – State Schools Onstage is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2014 with four arena-style shows staged at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Bank on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 July. There will be a 65-piece symphony orchestra, 600 voice choir, up to 600 dancers, over 30 featured vocalists and the student James Morrison Creative Generation Big Band.
