![The Australian Street Art Awards promotes tourism and celebrates communities across Australia. Picture: Supplied. The Australian Street Art Awards promotes tourism and celebrates communities across Australia. Picture: Supplied.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/164349425/57611036-869d-4dc8-bb2d-dc226a74ca2a.jpg/r0_262_1200_938_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Birds and dinosaurs are common themes among the finalists in this year's Australian Street Art Awards.
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The finalists are the best street art experiences across the nation, with judges selecting art that attracts visitors and brings communities together.
Pelicans on Patrol by Queensland's Simon Mclean, the emu-themed 2 Kool 4 Skool from New South Welshman John Murray and as well as two dinosaur-themed pieces in Queensland are among the field.
And with interstate travel restrictions loosened in some states, the awards celebrate artworks that paint a picture about Australian tourism.
The 32 total finalists are shortlisted across 11 categories, and winners will be named in an online celebration on Friday, March 4.
Australian Age of Dinosaurs and Dinosaur Canyon: 'Australian Age of Dinosaurs' is a series of realistic, outdoor art installations in outback Queensland showcasing prehistoric creatures. The installations are shortlisted for Best Sculpture Park or Trail, and 'Dinosaur Canyon Experience Tour' is up for Best Street Art Tour.
!['Australian Age of Dinosaurs' and 'Dinosaur Canyon' are nominated for Best Sculpture Park of Trail and Best Street Art Tour, respectively. Picture: Facebook/Australian Street Art Awards. 'Australian Age of Dinosaurs' and 'Dinosaur Canyon' are nominated for Best Sculpture Park of Trail and Best Street Art Tour, respectively. Picture: Facebook/Australian Street Art Awards.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/164349425/a520d539-07f2-4f40-a0b7-043bd6592be0.jpg/r0_96_2048_1247_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
2 Kool 4 Skool: 2 Kool 4 Skool: 'This piece is a finalist in the Best External Mural category imagines emus in sunglasses and face piercings. Younger community members around Lightning Ridge, NSW, assisted artist John Murray by adding their handprints.
![This emu is '2 Kool 4 Skool' with a chain earring and nose piercing. Picture: Facebook/Australian Street Art Awards. This emu is '2 Kool 4 Skool' with a chain earring and nose piercing. Picture: Facebook/Australian Street Art Awards.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/164349425/86517a02-f8cc-4f8d-a485-6d883654aee9.jpg/r0_105_2048_1256_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Accessible Cuttlefish Throne: This South Australian piece by Karen Carr has been shortlisted for Best Landmark Sculpture. The colourful sculpture celebrates the city of Whyalla's marine ecosystem, and world famous annual cuttlefish aggregation.
!['Accessible Cuttlefish Throne' by Karen Carr is a finalist for Best Landmark Sculpture. Picture: Facebook/Australian Street Art Awards. 'Accessible Cuttlefish Throne' by Karen Carr is a finalist for Best Landmark Sculpture. Picture: Facebook/Australian Street Art Awards.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/164349425/c6b3e010-1397-43ba-9a12-d8ed278a204c.jpg/r0_191_2048_1342_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Big Rivers Portrait Series: The 'Big Rivers Portrait Series' reflects prominent individuals of the Northern Territory town Katherine, who helped forge the Big River Region. The murals, nominated for Best Street Art Tour and Best Street Art Trail were painted by Jesse Bell and a collaboration of NT artists.
![The 'Big Rivers Portrait Series' by Jesse Bell with Proper Creative is a finalist in both the Best Street Art Trail and Best Street Art Tour categories. Picture: Facebook/Australian Street Art Awards. The 'Big Rivers Portrait Series' by Jesse Bell with Proper Creative is a finalist in both the Best Street Art Trail and Best Street Art Tour categories. Picture: Facebook/Australian Street Art Awards.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/164349425/7fe22f66-ac2d-426f-8c07-9103dc35b50d.jpg/r0_298_1365_1067_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Chalk the Walk: 3D chalk artists transformed Newcastle's pavements during the 2021 Chalk the Walk Street Art Festival, which drew 6,000 visitors. The festival artworks were produced by Zest Events International and is a finalist in the Best Street Art Festival or Event category.