Modern Art on Display in Yaletown

I have noticed over the years, that Vancouver has acquired quite a few pieces of what I like to call "modern art sculptures". There are a few that popped up by skytrain stations and parks right in time for the Olympics. So a month ago, my husband and I were out strolling around Yaletown and decided to go to Starbucks. This piece of modern art was sitting (laying?) right in front of the Starbucks.

I really have no idea why a giant sized head is sitting in a small park area in Yaletown. I realized in an instant that it might be a good place for people to meet up if ever lost.
But my true question when seeing these structures is 'how do people sign up to make this art for the city of Vancouver?' Exactly what is the protocol for this type of thing? I have never heard of anyone who even knew how the artist was selected or how much money was given to said artist. More importantly, I want pictures of how they make these massive pieces of art because that seems even more fascinating to me than anything else.