Pummeled by the economic slump, Chinatown is set to receive a shot in the arm this June with the launch of Art in Storefronts.  The program, initiated by Mayor Gavin Newsom, attempts to revitalize economically burdened neighborhoods by giving vacant and neglected storefront windows a Joan Rivers-quality facelift with San Francisco-based artwork.  The selected artists -- priority given to locals -- will have a unique opportunity to stimulate their community from within as well as gain exposure for their work.

“Since the launch,” Newson said of previous efforts in the Tenderloin, Bayview and the Mission, “we have brought communities together, increased foot traffic in our commercial corridors and demonstrated how artists can play a role in promoting economic and community vibrancy.”

See?  Art does matter.

An information session for interested artists will take place on March 24, 2010, 6 p.m. at the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco, 750 Kearny Street, 3rd Floor Community Room.

Applications and guidelines can be downloaded here. The deadline for submissions is April 16, 2010 at 5 p.m..