The Archibald Prize announcement was topped and tailed in a sea of red.
In the morning red caped protesters, hoping to catch the Archibald media pack, demonstrated against the merging of the Sydney College of The Arts and Sydney University Fine Arts Department.
Senior Federal Labor figure Anthony Albanese showed up to lend his support.
In the afternoon the red carpet was laid out for the Trustees, Art Gallery members and guests who were to attend an Archibald Gala in the evening.
