The Archibald Prize is very much a Sydney thing. The $35,000 first prize — for a portrait painting preferentially of some man or woman distinguished in art, letters, science or politics — is earnestly coveted by all Australian painters. But perhaps more than winning the cash, they covet the unequalled exposure a hanging among the finalists brings.

The Australian ran a story today, the first day of submissions. Entries can be submitted until Friday this week.

ABC News also shone the spotlight on the show today with a short segment at the end of the broadcast showing first submissions. In the rain. (Rain is a big deal right now given the drought.) One artist carried her painting from her home outside Sydney on the roof of her car and, naturally, it got wet.

Wet or dry, we can be assured of more coverage of this circus over the coming days and weeks. In addition to the main prize, there's also a prize awarded by the men and women who hang the portraits in the Art Gallery of New South Wales, as well as a 'people's choice' award, derived from votes cast by gallery visitors. A form is prepared for the purpose and distributed among patrons.