AN artist claims he has been kept out of a conference on inclusive art.

James Leadbitter, 26, a political and video performance artist staged a one-man campaign outside The Tramway in Albert Drive on the South Side over the £100 fee to attend Common Work, a two-day conference exploring socially-engaging arts practice.

He asked other delegates to donate cash for him to go, saying as a struggling artist on benefits he couldn't afford it.

It's the latest in a line of protests against consumerism and capitalism by James, who once told shoppers Virgin Megastores were giving away free CDs to mark the annual Buy Nothing Day.

He has also staged a Prayers for Products protest in Fraser's, saying shopping is the new religion.

By the start of the conference on Thursday, James, from Partick, had raised £42.36.

He said: "I came here to raise £100 to attend the conference and if that fails, then to make a point about economic exclusion. In making it expensive it undermines the conference."

James, whose income is £6000 a year, has exhibited his work in the CCA and taught at RSAMD.

Tramway curator and conference organiser Lorraine Wilson said: "We have been flexible supporting other artists to come to the conference but James didn't approach us."