In an effort to whip up tourists’ interest in visiting museums while they’re in The City, the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau is launching Art Bash 2010, its third annual arts and culture campaign.

The campaign starts in May and will last through October, and encourages visitors to check out some of San Francisco’s world-class museums. The campaign will advertise San Francisco’s art offerings in print and online in Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, Sacramento, Portland, Ore., and Seattle. Museum and hotel packages will be awarded on major radio stations.

The Visitors Bureau is also offering discounted museum and hotel tickets on its website.