Artists in Boston can now apply for grants to help them share their work with the public, continue their professional development, or teach others through a new program, “The Opportunity Fund,” according to a press release.

The pilot grant program is a result of the Boston Creates cultural plan, which was unveiled in mid-June. The process for creating the cultural plan took one year of community engagement events that the City organized to decide how to strengthen arts and culture in Boston.

Applications for grants up to $1,000 will be accepted on a monthly basis on the first of each month. Specific needs such as materials, professional development and the travel fees associated, conference fees, and stipends are all possible reasons for applying for a grant. Up to $10,000 in total will be available each month except for October and April, when other Boston Cultural Council grant applications are due.

“When we launched Boston’s cultural plan, we talked about finding ways to enable artists to create and showcase their best and most innovative work,” said Mayor Martin Walsh, according to the press release. “There is a tremendous amount of creativity in Boston and the Opportunity Fund is one way we can help them find the resources they need to thrive.”

To be eligible to apply for a grant, applicants must be artists living or working in Boston. Grants are also available to teachers at schools located in Boston, or teaching artists offering workshops at a Boston Public Library branch, Boston Center for Youth & Families, a senior center, or a non-profit social service agency in Boston.

Individual grantees may only receive funding from the Opportunity Fund once per year, and are required to submit a final report that details how the funds were spent and the outcomes of the experience.

“The Opportunity Fund will allow us to help artists when they need it, when a small investment grant can help them to take advantage of the chance to showcase their work or learn a new skill,” said Julie Burros, Chief of Arts and Culture for the City of Boston, according to the press release. “It was created to enable artists to share their work with others throughout the year. We’re excited about getting the fund started.”

For more information about The Opportunity Fund or to apply, visit bit.ly/2b3dLN7.