Malakta

Malakta is a former dairy transformed into a hub for art, culture, people, and wellbeing. It’s an artist’s studio and home, an oasis where ideas and individuals converge.

Malakta is located in Malax along a river that was once a significant flow as the sea reached inland. Remnants of this history include ancient dwelling sites and sacrificial stones. The history of Malax spans ages, even back to the time of our national epic, Kalevala. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that Malax center is adorned with a bronze statue of Ilmatar, symbolizing the creation of the world according to the Kalevala.

The Malakta dairy was founded in the early 1930s by Swiss cheese master Stuchi for the production of Edam cheese. People soon inhabited the dairy, starting new life. Cheese matured and the dairy thrived. In 1959, a striking tower was built for milk-drying. New products were also invented, such as milk powder and cocoa powder. The atmosphere fostered innovation: POP soft ice cream was born and became later known across Finland as the beloved Pehmis ice cream. Many former local children remember magical moments sneaking ice cream from the dairy...

Joy and kindness were infectious, like ice cream on clothes. Time passed and many dairies closed their doors, including Malakta. When artist couple Eila and Toivo Kultti found their way to Malakta, they created a casting workshop, studio, and gallery. The scent of ice cream transformed into the fragrance of oil paintings and the steam of melting bronze, as artists shaped thousands of kilograms of bronze into sculptures. Among the most beautiful was ILMATAR, a piece from Kalevala, depicting the creation of the world from an air spirit’s knee, thus forming the land and its riches.

In 2007, Ann-Maj Granstubb and Jukka Rajala established Art Factory Malakta. The spaces flourished with creativity, people, events, and experiences.

Since 2017, the association Art in Malakta ry has managed artistic endeavours under one roof, offering art courses, studios for artists, hosting public events like concerts, theater, markets, and exhibitions. They also operate an international artist residency and a film production company.

Today, Malakta thrives as an active community that aims to develop the area’s art and cultural offerings, nurture new ideas, and foster talent. In 2022, part of Malakta’s art house transformed into a wellbeing center, reaping the harvest of an idea planted decades ago.

“Art is for Everyone”

Sources: Ann-Maj Granstubb and Jukka Rajala.