London Games Festival Art Exhibition opens today - pictures

The London Games Festival Art Exhibition is open to the public from today, it has been announced.

Taking place at London City Hall, the free week-long exhibition features a collection of video game art, which will be auctioned off for charity. Rocksteady has donated Batman: Arkham City canvases, while Bethesda, Mind Candy, Sports Interactive, Lionhead and Konami have also donated artwork.

Doors are open between 9-6pm every day until Friday, October 26. All proceeds will be donated to SpecialEffect, which provides support to people with disabilities through games, art and technology.

"The UK's digital economy is clustered in London and the emergence of Tech City shows there is capacity for growth," explained Deputy Mayor for Education and Culture Munira Mirza.

"The games industry makes a huge contribution to the London economy, with a wealth of creative and entrepreneurial talent, whose work and influence often goes beyond the games sector."

Ukie CEO Dr. Jo Twist added: "This prestigious art exhibition at the home of the Mayor of London is an illustration of how the city is embracing the London Games Festival.

"It's brilliant to see gaming being recognised and celebrated as a valuable cultural contributor, and we hope as many people as possible take this unique opportunity to head to City Hall to see this wonderful collection."

Announced earlier this year, the London Games Festival will play host to consumer exhibitions, game launches and parties, careers' fairs and educational summits.

Overseen by Ukie's Kirsty Payne, it will also host fringe events such as video game pub quizzes and gaming inspired karaoke.

It runs alongside this week's GameCity7 event in Nottingham, which features an entire day dedicated to Peter Molyneux.