The purpose of this study is to compare the work of the five municipalities in Dalsland with culture as a means for growth and how they define the concept. The method used is descriptive idea analysis and the material consists of the cultural policy plans made in each municipality and the one from their region: Västra Götaland. Another source of information is interviews with the heads of culture at three of the municipalities. The plans are analyzed via the theory of Dorte Skot-Hansens' three rationalities (they also work as the ideal types throughout the study) and Geir Vestheims theory of the overlapping zone. The result of the study shows that all municipalities have the vision to grow culturally, economically, and in the number of residents. They use culture to reach this vision as they argue it heightens the quality of life, attracts new citizens, and creates more jobs.