The name of the group comes from Swahili and it stands for "friendship and art". Promoting international friendship and understanding through art is the main purpose of the group. Marafiki is composed of artists from various countries who have close ties to Japan.

Marafiki has the following major objectives:

Promoting cultural exchange between foreign artists and the Japanese community. Furthering the dialogue between Japanese and foreign artists. Providing mutual cooperation and assistance among foreign artists in Japan. Organizing exhibitions and other art events that further international friendship and understanding.

Marafiki - Friendship and Art consists of three types of members: Active members which are artists who have the right to participate in Marafiki exhibition events, individual supporting members, and corporate supporting members. Supporting members have free entrance to Marafiki events.

New applicants for membership have to be introduced by a current member and they have to provide adequate information concerning their background. Admission is then decided by the managing committee. Application forms for supporting members can be downloaded as a PDF file. Those who apply for active membership should submit complete CV/profile including data concerning their professional activities/experience with their application and admission requires the consensus of the managing committee.

Minimum membership fees have been set as Yen 1,000 per month/Yen 12,000 per year for active members, Yen 500 per month/Yen 6,000 per year for individual supporting members, Yen 2,000 per month/Yen24,000 per year for corporate members.

Members who donate an additional sum of one month's membership fee or more have the right to be listed as a Marafiki sponsor during the year in which the donation was made. Corporate or individual sponsors whose donation equals or exceeds thirteen months of membership fees in their respective category have the right to be listed as Marafiki supportive members.