THE HAGUE, 30/09/08 - Eindhoven city council is creating an art project from its heroin-addicted steetwalkers. Professional designers have thought up a plan intended to train the prostitutes as creative ambassadors of the city.

Eindhoven wants to play a leading role in the design area. Design goes further than making a vase or chair. Social problems can also be tackled with it, said Christian democratic (CDA) Alderwoman Marriet Mittendorff yesterday in Trouw newspaper.

The city administration called in the help of the Design Academy in Eindhoven and the International School of Design in the German city of Cologne. The students made contact with the prostitutes to seek inspiration. Eventually, they came up with a plan to train the prostitutes in creative professions. If they participate in all kinds of workshops, they win points. They can give these to the municipality, which then gives them money and other support.

Not quite everyone understands exactly how the plan works and what it has to do with design. "In a street-walking zone, you do not immediately think of design," acknowledges Mittendorff. "Someone on the city council thought we were giving the prostitutes designer clothes. But actually design means nothing other than that you bring things back to their essence and shape them from there."

De Rode Draad, a union for prostitutes, apparently does understand the plan, saying it was enthusiastic about it. Spokeswoman Metje Blaak: "It is very good to give addicted prostitutes points instead of money." She advises steering the prostitutes in the direction of exciting professions. "Ex-prostitutes often miss the adrenaline. Make sure they have work in which they must perform, but in a healthy way."

The council youth and family committee is discussing the approach today. The alderwoman hopes to begin next month. In June 2011, she wants to close the street-walking zone.