In the Ulstein region, cultural life and activities have a strong tradition, often in relation to music. As such, culture contributes to the nature of local identity and forms an important part of the area's social life where for example individuals from different social classes mix. The more direct economic development potential that the strong cultural sector offers has not however been harnessed to any great extent.
The regional growth programme of Gotland states that 'culture' has significant economic potential and should be supported both in terms of amateur and professional cultural actors.
In Kainuu region, the expertise centre programme exists with the aim of harnessing and developing the local music tradition in Kuhmo and the year-round winter activities in Vuokatti. This policy endeavours to develop the local labour market based on its existing strengths. Moreover, the Kainuu self-government experiment includes aspirations to promote the area's regional identity.
During the 1990s, an old industrial area from the early 20th century in central Akureyri in the Eyjafjör∂ur region was transformed into a cultural district. This now includes an art school, cafés, restaurants, galleries, lecture halls, and artists' apartments.
The Akureyri-investment in culture has proved a great success, creating jobs, and providing a real attraction for tourists, while also enhancing the cultural life of those living locally.