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The atmosphere in Malax former dairy building built in 1930 is welcoming and radiates artistic existence. Starting an art factory called Malakta in the old building was a big step for the owners Ann-Maj Granstubb and Jukka Rajala-Granstubb. The inspiration and the drive, with which the couple has transformed the building from cheese production factory to art factory, rub off on any visitor. Even for a non-artistic person Malakta feels like a house of possibilities. It is obvious that Ann-Maj and Jukka are very proud of the ongoing activities at Malakta and the creative resource that they´ve created.

The art factory entrance.

- Right from the start it was important for us that this would be a place where artists and creators can gather and where the spirit is high, Jukka tells.
- All our artists and creators live in a positive symbiosis and we help each other. For example, when several of us have a coffee break together, one might ask for tips regarding an ongoing project. One or many of us might offer help and suddenly the project has evolved to something bigger. The cooperation between creators is born by itself, just like we dreamed it would, Ann-Maj explains.

Malakta offers both work and common areas for artists and creators. The house is being remodeled as new creators find their way to Malakta and the need for space grows. Right now there are 14 different artists and creators under Malakta’s roof; a painter, an earth building researcher, a sound engineer, a choreographer and a craftsman, just to name a few. All of them are entrepreneurs or freelancers. For example graphic artist Ulrika Öhman, found her way to Malakta just two weeks ago.
- I visited Malakta in the summer of 2012 and became interested right away. I went to study to Stockholm over the winter, but I knew I would be in the Vaasa region during this summer. I contacted Malakta and asked if I could come here and work. Working here is more rewarding than sitting alone at home by the kitchen table, she exclaims.

Some of the artists and creators at Malakta. The owners of the art factory Ann-Maj Granstubb (yellow shirt) and Jukka Rajala-Granstubb, standing right next to her, are very proud of Malakta's ongoing activities.

Malakta has recently opened an art gallery where the different artists and creators work can be seen. There are paintings, sculptures, videos and a café among other things.

A kick-start from Startia

Englishman Jason Munnelly had a workshop in London for seven years, where he produced both free-standing and built-in wood furniture. During that time he met Annika Silander, who is Finnish and had gone to London to study dance. The couple decided to move to Finland for little over a year ago.
- We had of course visited Finland several times during the years, so I knew where I was moving. Finland’s peacefulness and nature’s closeness have always fascinated me, Jason smiles.

Living in Malax the couple quickly got to know Malakta’s owners Ann-Maj and Jukka. Jason worked as a carpenter and builder at Malakta and help out with all the ongoing renovations in the big building. The thought of having his own company similar to the one he had in London, was always in the back of his mind.
- Initially I didn’t feel ready to start my own company. Moving to a new country it obviously takes time to settle in with all the new changes. Ann-Maj and Jukka told me about Startia, so in March 2013 I visited Startia’s Tommi Virkama. Sitting down with Tommi was like having coffee with a friend, who happens to know everything about running a company in Finland. At least that’s how I felt, Jason laughs.

From Startia Jason got help with creating his own business plan, applying for start-up and investment money, and advice about how the Finnish tax system works.
- The fact that I could do my business plan online, in English and get comments from Tommi directly to the different parts of the plan, was great. Startia kick-started my company. I probably wouldn’t have set up a company here yet if it wasn’t for Startia.

With the help of some investment money Jason Munnelly
was able to buy a table saw for his workshop.

A dark and cold garage in the Malakta building was renovated and it became Jason’s workshop. Jason has a company named JJM Woodsmith and specializes in making both free-standing and built-in furniture from solid wood and other materials.
- Often in people’s homes there are awkward spaces and nooks such as in lofts to which it is very difficult to find furniture that fits. So custom made furniture is an ideal solution. I design the furniture together with my customers. Of course my furniture is a bit more expensive than the furniture you can buy in a shop, but the customers gets exactly what they want, and for example the storage space doesn’t have to be compromised according to the standard mass-produced furniture. Also it is more sustainable because it is built to last and can be passed on through the generations, he explains.

Find out more about upcoming summer events at Malakta here.