Hiedanrannan Paja is a historic building and creative community. The Paja building was originally erected in two phases – the north end was designed by Birger Federley in 1923 and the south end by M. Nikama in 1951. Back in the days of the old pulp mill, the building housed a piping and sheet-metal workshop, as well as an electrical repair shop for factory machines.
Today, Paja is home to a creative community of artisans, designers and artists, whose products and services are available in Hiedanranta all year round. The members of the community also arrange workshops and courses that are open to all.
The Paja community offers a diverse range of services. The building boasts a tattoo studio, an upholstery shop, a glassblower, a weaver’s shop and a shoemaker, among other occupants. The Paja creatives also produce hand-made ceramics, homeware, accessories and jewellery. Literature and fine arts are also present at Paja. Painters, illustrators and graphic designers work here to create independent works as well as commissions.
The Katutaso shop, gallery and cultural venue is the flagship of the Hiedanrannan Paja community. Unique crafts, art and design created by the artists and artisans of Paja are available at the Katutaso shop, which is open all year round. The gallery hosts exhibitions, introducing visitors to varied methods and techniques of creating art. The exhibited works are also available for purchase.
